What could possibly be wrong? You’re collecting money for a needy family and you tell someone how much various people gave. Are you speaking loshon hora?
It’s Purim and your yeshivah has sent you and a small group to collect money from alumni. You’re thrilled to see that Mr. Asher Kessef – a guy who’s said to be worth more than a billion dollars – is on your list! You save him for last, hoping to cap off your day with a huge haul.
Finally, you arrive at his stately home. A housekeeper leads you into a hall-sized dining room filled with people who are waiting for a turn to get Mr. Kessef’s ear. When your turn finally arrives, he asks about his old yeshivah and shares his warm memories of the Rosh Yeshivah; he then writes you a check for $100. When you rejoin your group, everyone’s dying to know: “So? What did you get from Kessef?” What should you say?
THE DILEMMA
SHMIRAS HALASHON
If you simply state that he gave $100, you would be speaking loshon hora, because the amount he gave is stingy, relative to his ability to give. If you say, “I’d rather not say,” that implies something negative as well. Therefore, if you’re on the spot and have to say something, you should give him the benefit of the doubt and say, “Mr. Kessef isn’t giving a high school kid his big donation. I’m sure he gives that straight to the yeshivah. But he did give us $100.” Make sure that your statement doesn’t sound sarcastic.
Sefer Chofetz Chaim, Hilchos Loshon Hora 5:6
Reviewed by Rabbi Moshe Mordechai Lowy, shlita. For discussion only; pls consult a rav. From Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation's Shabbos Menu [email protected].
