One particularly destructive
form of Lashon Hara is when two squabbling Jewish groups turn to
non-Jewish sources and spread Lashon Hara about their rival in order to
gain the upper hand. We forget that no one loves any Jews, and at the
end we are all losers, as the slander is used to punish all of us.
Infighting
between Tzidukim, MisYavnim, and Prushim and reports of rebellion
against Antiochus in Yerushalayim prompted his initial vicious attack,
which resulted in the death of tens of thousands, and brought his heavy
hand down on the Shomrei Torah UMitzvos.
Many years later
fighting between Aristobulus and Hyrkanus, the sons of Yannai and
Shlomtzion, opened the gated of Yerushalayim to the Roman General
Pompei and led to the disintegration of Malchus Bais Chashmonai and
eventually the Bais HaMikdash.
The list goes on and on, and continues even today on local and national levels. Oy L'Oisa Busha!
"Zachor Eis Asher Asa Hashem L'Miriam BaDerech B'Tzaischem MiMitzrayim"
The Ramban and other Rishonim count, among the Mitzvos Aseh Min
HaTorah, the mitzva of remembering and saying with your mouth each day
what Hashem did to Miriam when she spoke about her brother Moshe. The
Chofetz Chaim in Shaar Tvunah Perek 12 says that being Mikayem this
mitzva can save you from the aveira of Lashon Hara. More than just
saying the pasuk, says the Chofetz Chaim, one must think about the
incident in order for it to have its intended effect.
Listen to our Shemiras HaLashon Yomi in our audio section. Two
halachos a day according to the Luach. www.revach.net/audioarchives.php
printable version
