Halachic Highlights

Question: Do you violate lashon ha’ra if you speak negatively about someone who is deceased?

Short Answer: Many poskim hold that it is forbidden to speak negatively about the deceased, but the exact source and nature of this prohibition is debated by the poskim.

Question: What is the nature of the prohibition not to speak lashon ha’ra?

 Short Answer: The numerous prohibitions not to speak lashon ha’ra are to prevent you from hurting your friend and also to teach you to use your mouth properly.

Question: Do you violate lashon ha’ra if you speak negatively about a non-Jew?

Short Answer: While the exact nature of any potential prohibition is disputed by the poskim, many agree that one should not speak negatively about a non-Jew.

Question: Is it appropriate to recite the T’hilim perek of “Shir HaMaalos MiMaamakim” after Yishtabach during the Aseres Y’mei T’shuvah?

Short Answer: There is a dispute whether Shir HaMaalos MiMaamakim should be recited after Yishtabach during the Aseres Y’mei T’shuvah. Shuls should follow their own minhag.

Question: Do you violate lashon ha’ra by speaking negatively about a group of Jews (i.e., Sefardim, Ashkenazim, chareidim, Zionists) without mentioning a specific individual?

Short Answer: Yes, the prohibition of Lashon HaRa is even worse when spoken about a group of people.

Question: Must we specifically recite ten p’sukim for Malchiyus, Zichronos, and Shofaros?

Short Answer: There is a dispute in the poskim whether we need to recite ten references each for Malchiyus, Zichronos, and Shofaros (even if one pasuk contains more than one reference) or if we specifically require ten p’sukim (regardless of the references therein).