Halachic Highlights

Question: Is it permitted to jokingly speak lashon ha’ra?

Short Answer: It is forbidden to jokingly speak lashon ha’ra, although the severity of the prohibition is debated by the poskim.

Question: Is it permitted to believe that lashon ha’ra that you told is true based on outside evidence?

Short Answer: It is permitted to believe lashon ha’ra that you know to be true based on outside evidence of which you have firsthand knowledge.

Question: Is it permitted to praise your friend in front of other people?

Short Answer: It is forbidden (avak lashon ha’ra) to speak positively about your friend in front of his enemies or, even in front of friends if you excessively speak positively about him.

Question: Is it permitted to listen to lashon ha’ra, even if you don’t believe what you hear?

Question: Is it permitted to speak lashon ha’ra where your words have a productive purpose (to’eles) but are also said out of hatred?

Question: Is it permitted to share with others lashon ha’ra that is public information, such as a decision from a beis din?

Short Answer: Negative information about someone, even if public, such as a ruling of a beis din, should not be shared with others on a consistent or organized basis, especially if the intent is to spread gossip.