By Rabbi Chaim Hillel Raskin, Moreh Hora’ah at Beis Hora’ah in Rechovot, Israel
The Torah says, “A man should not wrong his fellow.”[1] Chazal explain that one must be sincere in social interactions just as in business, and one may not harass another person verbally or cause him any discomfort (ono’as devarim).[2]
Here are some examples of this prohibition brought in halacha:
One may not call a person by a derogatory nickname. Even if the nickname is generally used in a friendly manner (e.g. height, hair color), one may not use it if his intention is to make him uncomfortable.[3]
One may not mention to a person a previous lifestyle that will make him uncomfortable (e.g. before he was Torah observant).
One may not ask someone a question for which he won’t know the answer and will be ashamed.[4] Thus, one may not ask a guest to recite a dvar Torah if they don’t have what to say.[5]
Likewise, it is forbidden to test a child on material or in a manner which he won’t be able to answer, and he will become embarrassed (unless this is necessary to motivate him).[6]
One may not knowingly send a person to a supplier that doesn’t carry the sought after product, thereby causing agony to the buyer or the seller.[7]
One may not tell someone who is going through a hard time that they are at fault, because they didn’t do what they were supposed to.[8] One may only suggest that they reexamine their actions in a gentle way that won’t hurt their feelings.[9]
Chazal say that verbal harassment is even more severe than causing financial damage since he hurts the person himself (not his property) and the misdeed cannot be undone (unlike a financial loss which can be repaid). If the one who was harassed cries out to Hashem he is immediately answered.[10]
Beis Din has the authority to punish a verbal harasser. Some say that he should be placed in nidui (a form of cherem) until he will monetarily appeases the offender, while others hold that he deserves makas mardus (lashes).[11]
SOURCES:
1. ויקרא כה, יז.
2. ב”מ נח ע”ב.
3. שו”ע חו”מ סי’ רכח ס”ה.
4 . שו”ע שם ס”ד.
5. ספר חסידים סי’ שיב.
6. ראה פתחי חושן הלכות אונאה פט”ו הע’ יב.
7. ראה שוע”ר הל’ אונאה סכ”ח.
8. ראה שוע”ר שם, ומפרשי הגמ’ בב”מ שם.
9. ראה ברכות דף ה’ ובמפרשים שם, שהרי אמרו חז”ל שכשיסורים באים לאדם יפשפש במעשיו.
10. שוע”ר שם סכ”ז.
11. ראה פת”ח שם ס”ב ובהערות.
Originaly published in Lmaan Yishmeu, a publication by Merkaz Anash
thanks for posting!
Thank u for posting!
All these halachos are about insulting a person, which is indeed a terrible thing. I don’t see a comparison to opining on anonymous comments.
Just read and don’t comment. Or don’t read.
Use a service such as disqus, which would be more secure,as well as having people register to comment
Noone is saying you can’t disagree. 2 jews 3 opinions. the point is not to belittle and be nasty. you can have your opinion and be tolerant of your fellow’s opinion at the same time.
People could learn alot from appropriate and wise comments!
lets be meture about this, were discussing a topic for itself otherwise we cant get to the root of things
are you saying that if someone writes a stupid article or opinion, we have to just read it and not comment on it
if you post something that is you know is bound to have much disagreement be prepared for it.
dont write that people are wrong how they approach a shidduch (your opinion) as they can voice their opinion. maybe you are hurting them or not being sensitive to them
So kal v’chomer it tells us how to ( and how NOT to ) treat and speak to our spouses & children !! HaShem hears and sees everything.
Good Shabbos.
How many of these halachos apply in a case of an anonymous poster with an anonymous commentator?
Perhaps the need to act upon the above negatives surpasses the altruistic options. I think this duality is a deep topic, deeper than “don’t do this, do that”. It seems to me that quality communication offers a more lasting positive effect. If the party (s) need support with that, a qualified person in in order to guide them. I think sometimes the very reason such negativity is expressed is BECAUSE rules without human consideration are the focus!
Perhaps, this sites admins should take this message to heart.
Ultimately, it is your decision to publish any comment, just like it is your decision whether or not to publish this one.
SERIOUSLY? if you cant take the heat get out of the kitchen!! if you want to write a Op-ed or be in photos or run for office get ready to take the heat, otherwise stay away from the public eye
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Sign up for a daily email at [email protected]. They’re insights taken from a wide variety of sources, including Chassidus. Each one takes just a few seconds to read. They’re positive and constructive. The person who sends them out has great Ahavas Yisrael and isn’t promoting any one hashkafa or party line. Over time, I have found myself making real changes in how I talk and listen to others. I still have a long way to go. It’s written (in the Gemara?) that there are three things from which a person isn’t saved each day, and one of them is Lashon… Read more »
This needs to be prominently displayed on every webpage where commenting is possible on COL! Otherwise, tomorrow it will be archived and forgotten. We need constant reminders of such things, even though it’s so petty to belittle others online! Please everyone, take this to heart and spread the message. We need love, healing, and encouragement, not disparaging and mean comments! Let’s all undertake to be more careful with these things and bring moshiach now!
And in the meantime they are doing such and such an people don’t know about it and these people shall be respected?
Wow!
A nice reminder that as Jews halacha needs to determine our actions.
Thanks for posting col.
wow wish more would read this & remember it, being judgmental in the community is rampant, wish and hope,,,,,,,