Good evening, everybody. Today's Shemirat HaLashon (guarding the tongue) broadcast is Le'ilui Nishmat (for the elevation of the soul), Luzah Aliza, Bat (daughter of) Henriette, and her children, who passed away with her in the fire. Ruach Hashem T'Nichenam, B'Gan Eden. It's also sponsored anonymously for Great Shemirah (protection), Siyata Dishmaya (Heavenly assistance), Nisim V'Nifla'ot (miracles and wonders), Amen.
Writes the Chafetz Chaim: “Of what value are Segulot (spiritual remedies) and Berachot (blessings) if a person is a habitual speaker of Lashon Hara (evil speech) and Rechilut (talebearing)? If people would listen to what I have to say,” said the Chafetz Chaim, “I would advise them, especially those seeking to improve their economic situation in Parnassah (livelihood), to take great care when it comes to the laws of Lashon Hara and Shemirat HaLashon. Be so careful.” The Chafetz Chaim concludes that if one respects another person's feelings and possessions, his own possessions and business will certainly be blessed much more than if he performed any of the Segulot that people are into.
So here's a practical halacha (Jewish law). It's forbidden to talk negatively about a book, a newspaper, or a publication that was written by a Torah-observant Jew. To say that a book was boring, or maybe that the articles in a certain Jewish newspaper aren't really interesting anymore, or to say, “I don't really go for that rabbi's CDs or the classes on that cassette”—all this is Lashon Hara and forbidden. Why are these statements forbidden? Imagine if you were the author, the producer, the rabbi, or the speaker of any of these CDs, newspapers, or books. How would you feel if someone spread negative information about something you worked so hard on? Even more so, such statements discourage people from buying these CDs, books, or newspapers in the future. And therefore, you're actually affecting the source of livelihood, the Parnassah of another Jew. There's a zechut (merit) in being really cautious and careful when it comes to other Jews' businesses and Parnassah. Hashem will surely bless us with tremendous hatzlacha (success) in our own Parnassah.
Until now, we were talking about when you initiate and offer your opinion on these Jewish books, publications, cassettes, or CDs. However, what happens if somebody comes along and asks you for information? They're asking you about a particular book, newspaper, or CD. They want to know if they should read it or buy it. Then what are you to answer? Then, you would be allowed to say something like, “That book just wasn't my style,” or, “It wasn't my taste.” Or, “That CD is just not my style. I go for different types of classes.” That would be permitted. Have a good night.