The other day, while studying the two Halachos a day of shemirat halashon in the book "Guard your Tongue" by Rabbi Zelig Pliskin, I came across some good advice if a person finds himself in a situation in which he is unsure whether to say something. Chapter 8 halacha 8 states, "At times a person finds himself in a quandary: Is the situation at hand one of those exceptions when it is not only permitted but obligatory to speak what ordinarily would be considered loshon hora? There is a simple formula that solves doubtful cases.When you will be summoned before the Divine Court the doubtful case will be considered. If the Court decides that you should have spoken instead of remaining silent, you will easily be able to exonerate yourself. But, if it decides that you should have kept quiet, and you spoke, you will find yourself in a very difficult position. The formula? When in doubt, silence is the best policy."
The yeshiva world posted the following regarding a problem with a restaurant's hashgacha.
"Rav Teitelbaum also felt the need to publicize the following: The individuals who witnessed the employee carrying in the hotdogs did the right thing by asking questions, but the way in which it was done is unacceptable.
The Halacha requires them to question the Baal Din, but not to spread rumors across the community before allowing the Rav Hamachshir to conduct his investigation....
“There are many lessons to be learned from this incident, a prominent Rov told YWN. Perhaps we should take this as a lesson to demand that a Mashgiach Timidi be installed in every establishment. But most important, is the need for each and every Jew to learn the Halachas of Shmiras Halashon, and find out how one is supposed to react in such a situation according to Halacha, and not instinct.”
The Halacha requires them to question the Baal Din, but not to spread rumors across the community before allowing the Rav Hamachshir to conduct his investigation....
“There are many lessons to be learned from this incident, a prominent Rov told YWN. Perhaps we should take this as a lesson to demand that a Mashgiach Timidi be installed in every establishment. But most important, is the need for each and every Jew to learn the Halachas of Shmiras Halashon, and find out how one is supposed to react in such a situation according to Halacha, and not instinct.”
Incalculable damage is done when people fail to keep quiet. A man's parnassah can be wiped out, Israeli soldiers can have their reputations ruined and morale lowered because of the rush by some newspapers to print scurrilous stories, not based on truths, but on rumors and hearsay.
Let's all take out a sefer from the Chofetz Chaim and let's think before we speak.
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