Editorial: It was leprosy for a reason

We all know that Lashon Harah is “gossip” and the “evil tongue.” And we all know that the Torah actually, and almost uniquely, assigns a specific punishment for Lashon Harah; it is leprosy. And we all know that you don’t see much leprosy around anymore even though Lashon Harah exists.

The question begs as to why if it still exists don’t we see the boils and lesions on those who speak Lashon Harah? The only reasonable answer is that Hashem, out of His great compassion and love, chooses not to condemn the Lashon Harah sinner with this skin affliction. And why does Hashem make that choice to abstain from planting these grotesque abnormalities of the derma on those who deserve it? The answer lies in understanding the guidelines of Lashon Harah.

It is Lashon Hara even if it is factual, even if the listener strongly requests the speaker or writer to tell, even if the actual names and places are not mentioned, even if it is about the teller’s own family, even if the speaker or writer reveals that he or she is not in the best light. It is Lashon Hara even if it is an opinion about someone that cannot be verified. It is Lashon Hara even when details are left out and implications are pronounced. And listening to the Lashon Harah makes one a conspirator to the sin.

This is by no means a complete compilation or an authoritative presentation of law regarding Lashon Hara but rather a common knowledge offering of which we are already aware. In fact we are even aware of the exception to the rule of when Lashon Harah is permitted, and that is during very specific circumstances when there is an emergency and a constructive outcome is needed. Some will unilaterally hang their hat on that exception, although it should be highly recommended that as with most cases of halacha, especially those dealing with human interaction and ones stemming from the Torah with grave punishment, an individual should speak to their rabbinic authority before making any drastic move with their mouth, pen or keyboard.

It becomes quite clear as to why Hashem offers such compassion of forgiveness with regard to one speaking Lashon Harah with the penalty of leprosy. If He didn’t, it would be a very ugly world.

The Jewish Star abhors Lashon Harah and will go about our job to deliver original journalism while endeavoring to not write or listen to such highly punishable and offensive words.