Parshas Behaaloscha – Lashon Hara
The Passuk in Parshas Ki Setzei says, “Zachor es asher usah Hashem Elokecha l’Miriam baderech.”
The Chofetz Chaim, in his sefer about the laws of lashon hara, explains that this Passuk teaches us that it’s a mitzvah to constantly remind ourselves (verbally) of the terrible punishment Miriam received for speaking lashon hara about her beloved brother Moshe Rabbeinu. Miriam loved Moshe dearly, risked her life for him as a baby, only slightly reduced his honor by equating him to other Neviim, said the lashon hara in private, Moshe wasn’t offended, and nevertheless, she was plagued with terrible tzaraas. If this is what happened to Miriam, then we surely must be very careful not to speak lashon hara.
The passuk in this week’s Parsha recording Hashem’s rebuke to Aron and Miriam for speaking lashon hara about Moshe Rabbeinu says, “v’lama lo yirasem l’daber b’avdi b’moshe – why were you not afraid to speak regarding my servant regarding Moshe.” Rashi explains that the double language in the passuk “b’avdi b’moshe” is coming to teach us that, besides the regular prohibition of speaking lashon hara against any Jew, there is an added issur for speaking against someone who is “b’moshe,” a tzadik and talmid chochom.
The Chofetz Chaim adds that if from one’s lashon hara spoken about a gadol, others’ regard for the gadol is diminished and as a result, their ability to guide them effectively is lost, the speaker bears responsibility for that sin as well.
May we be zoche to watch the way we talk and steer far away from lashon hara.
Have a wonderful Shabbos!
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