We continue to explore the explicit Torah prohibitions one transgresses when one speaks Lashon Hara or rechilus.

We begin to explore the explicit Torah prohibitions one transgresses when one speaks Lashon Hara or rechilus.

The transgression of lashon hara had great destructive effects throughout history.

When we study the laws of forbidden speech, even if we are not able to fulfill them completely, we become sensitized to their importance, and aware of where we need to do teshuva and what areas we need to work on.

The Chofetz Chaim gives us the setup of his book, and tells us that all of the sources are based in solid foundations of halacha.

The Chofetz Chaim gives us the setup of his book, and tells us that all of the sources are based in solid foundations of halacha.

The Chofetz Chaim explains his reasons for writing the book, as the sin of Lashon Hara has become so widespread and common as a result of ignorance and habit.

Speaking gossip creates angels of destruction that cause death and arguments in the world.

Rectifying the sin of Lashon hara is the key to geulah, redemption, as it was the original cause of the temple's destruction and the Jewish exile.

We are now going to start learning the actual laws of Shmiras halashon, guarding one's tongue. We begin the introduction to the sefer Chofetz Chaim.