Leah works in a customer-service department with four other women. Everyone notices that Leah hasn’t been her usual friendly self over the past few weeks. One day, her coworker Esti asks her if everything is all right.
Noticing the other women’s ears tuned to the conversation, Leah decides to be open with them. “I’d rather give them the real story than have them guessing and talking to each other about me,” she thought.
“I’ll tell you, things aren’t all right. But not a word of this can be repeated. I’m trusting you all to keep this to yourselves. The truth is that my older brother-in-law talked us into lending him $10,000, and now he’s pretending it wasn’t a loan but an ‘investment’ in his business. We don’t know what to do!”
THE DILEMMA
May the women who heard Leah’s story retell it, since it was said in front of three people and is thus considered certain to spread.
THE HALACHA
If the listeners have been urged not to repeat what they heard, we assume they will keep it confidential. If any of them repeats the information, it is lashon hara. Even if one or two people slip up or disregard the warning, we cannot assume that three people will do so.
Sefer Chofetz Chaim, Hilchos Loshon Hora 2:7
Reviewed by Rabbi Moshe Mordechai Lowy, shlita. For discussion only; pls consult a rav. From Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation's Shabbos Menu [email protected].
