Good evening, everybody. Tonight on the Shemirat Halashon broadcast: Le'ilui Nishmat (for the elevation of the soul), Louza Elizabeth Henriette, and her children who passed away with her in the fire. Ruach Hashem (spirit of Hashem), tenichena, B'Gan Eden (in the Garden of Eden), and Amen. It was also sponsored anonymously for a great Zechut (merit) and shemirah (protection). And nisim nifla'ot (wondrous miracles) on this Keriat Yam Suf. Amen.
So here's a concept. What is the meaning of the term Chilul Hashem (desecrating Hashem's name)? In general, people assume that Chilul Hashem refers to when a Jew goes and does some sort of lowly action in the presence of Goyim (non-Jews), where they look down upon us, saying, “Look, these are the Jewish people, these are God's people,” thereby desecrating Hashem's name in front of the eyes of the Goyim. However, says the Chafetz Chaim, in truth, Chilul Hashem applies in the presence of Jews as well. The reason is that when people are watching you do things that are not true, they might be influenced by observing the sinner. They'll also start disregarding Hashem's presence.
Speaking Lashon Hara (speaking against others) causes a much greater Chilul Hashem than most other averot (sins). The reason is that with most other averot, at least, the sinner feels that they have something to gain. There's some sort of materialistic benefit, wealth, pleasure, or something. However, when it comes to the averah of Lashon Hara, there's no real benefit from speaking against others. Therefore, the person who's speaking Lashon really portrays a total Chilul Hashem. He totally portrays that he disregards Hashem's presence, even in a place where he has absolutely nothing to gain. On top of that, he also transgresses Et Hashem Elokecha tira (You shall fear Hashem your God). The habitual Lashon Hara speaker shows that he doesn't fear Hashem at all.
So here's a halacha (Jewish law). Let's talk about a description that could be interpreted as either a compliment or an insult. What could be considered Lashon Hara when talking about one person could actually be considered a compliment when you're talking about somebody else. For example, if you say about a certain guy that he learns four hours a day. Now, if that guy is a hardworking businessman, the fact that he has the ability to find four hours in his very busy day of business to learn Torah is incredibly praiseworthy. However, on the other hand, if the guy you're talking about is a Rosh Yeshiva or a full-time kollel (full-time Torah study) learner, then four hours a day is not what's expected of someone of that level. And therefore, clearly, that would be Lashon Hara.
Now, you'll hear people say, “What do you mean? Why is that Lashon Hara? You know what? I wish people would say about me that I learn four hours a day.” Well, the truth of the matter is that justification doesn't work. Because again, whether the comment is considered Lashon Hara depends only on the status of the person you're talking about. And if that guy's a kollel guy or a great Rosh Yeshiva, again, to him, four hours a day of learning is not so praiseworthy. Even if it's something great to you, if it isn't to the person you're talking about, that's who it goes by. And therefore, it's Lashon Hara. Everything is relative. Let's point out the qualities of people on their level. Have a good night.