Negative Speech (Lashon Hora)

I find the swing from inspiration and proactivity to be a lifelong dance. For a stretch of time I devoted most of my day to Torah study, surrounded by mentors who spoke the message ofG-d’s unity through their teachings and their conduct. And then it was o...

Retribution is very un-Jewish. For retribution leaves wounds in its wake. Rehabilitation is very Jewish. For rehabilitation cures and gives new life. This elemental idea is beautifully captured in a biblical passage discussing the treatment of gossipers.

It is our patriotic duty. It’s all in the name of G-d. We don’t mess with tradition. And it’s much easier to put down others than to climb up yourself.

Perhaps the metzora's isolation is not just for him to sense the distance from other people caused by gossip, but also to see how foolish a sense of superiority is...

How often people justify malicious gossip with the explanation that the slander is true?

Did you know that it is possible for a person to be murdered and not even know about it, even carrying on life as usual? How can this be? This week’s Torah reading speaks of the affliction known as tzara’at. The commentators explain that tzara’at was a pu...

Choose your words wisely. Be bold and articulate, spreading good ideas and positive energy around you.

The biblical skin discoloring of tzaraat was a consequence of spiritual failing, primarily due to lashon hara or gossip. Our words have extraordinary, far-reaching impact.

How to use one's power of speech in a positive and healing manner.

Sticks and stones break bones, but the damage wrought by negative words reaches far deeper, to the very soul.