In this week's Parsha we learn of a leprosy-like disease which occurred during biblical times and which is not to be confused with any medical condition known today. This disease afflicted a person, or his home or other possessions, when he indulged in slander.
When a person discovered that he suffered from this malady, he realised without a shadow of a doubt that there was an omniscient G-d who had been witness to his sin. The person was then required to shut himself off for seven days, in seclusion from the rest of society. These seven days were spent in introspection and consultation with the priest on how to atone for his transgression.
Speaking unfavourably about another shows a complete lack of "Ahavas Yisrael"-love of one's fellow like oneself. Just as we certainly don't want others to notice or talk about our failings and foibles, we shouldn't talk about other people's faults.
The Baal Shem Tov taught that when you see a fault in another person, that same fault most definitely appears-even if only in a minute amount-in you. For, just as you cannot recognize a person whom you never met, you cannot "recognize" a fault you do not have.
There is another teaching attributed to the Baal Shem Tov about slander and gossip. When you hear an uncomplimentary report about another person, even if you don't know that other person, you should be very deeply pained.
It can only be one of two things: if what is being said about that individual is true, then he is flawed and in need of improvement and that is a reason to feel pained; if however, it is not true, then slander is being spoken, and the cause for pain would be the talebearer who is being harmful not only to the other person, but also to himself as well.
