Episode
The Power and Peril of Words [Day 135 - Orchos Tzaddikim | Slander 1]
- Published
- May 24, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 608
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- https://share.transistor.fm/s/873552c1
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Summary
In this episode of the Jewish Inspiration Podcast, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe begins a new chapter from Orchos Tzaddikim (Ways of the Righteous) on the Gate of Slander (Lashon Hara). He explains that Lashon Hara refers to true but negative speech about another person, distinguishing it from Motzi Shem Ra (spreading false rumors). The rabbi emphasizes how destructive such speech is — it harms the subject’s reputation, damages relationships and business opportunities, and offers the speaker no real benefit, only a fleeting sense of superiority. Rabbi Wolbe highlights the extreme severity of this sin according to our Sages: speaking Lashon Hara is compared to denying God and is equated with the three cardinal sins (idolatry, illicit relations, and murder). He stresses that one must never bring up a person’s past once they have done Teshuvah. A personal anecdote illustrates how easily Lashon Hara becomes the default topic in social gatherings, underscoring the need for conscious effort to avoid it. The class concludes with a powerful reminder from the Chafetz Chaim on guarding one’s tongue to truly desire life and see good in others. _____________ This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Peter & Becky Botvin Recorded at TORCH Centre in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on January 26, 2026, in Houston, Texas. Released as Podcast on May 24, 2026 _____________ This series on Orchos Tzadikim/Ways of the Righteous is produced in partnership with Hachzek. Join the revolution of daily Mussar study at hachzek.com. We are using the Treasure of Life edition of the Orchos Tzadikkim (Published by Feldheim) _____________ Listen, Subscribe & Share: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jewish-inspiration-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1476610783 Spotif…