27. The Parameters of the Prohibition to Embarrass Others

Dedicated by Fran Broder as a zechus for the hostages to be released safely to their families and may everlasting peace come to Eretz Yisrael in the merit of learning Hilchot Bein Adam L’Chaveiro

1.       One may not embarrass another even when no others are present (Rambam, Hilchot De’ot 6:7). For example, one may not talk to another in an insulting, shameful way on the telephone or on a video call even if no one else is listening. One may also not embarrass another when he or she is not present but will be embarrassed later. For instance, one should not tell others to do something shameful against a certain person when he or she arrives later that would insult them.

2.     One violates the prohibition of embarrassing others both through speech as well as through action. For example, one who acts in an insulting manner to another or motions to/about them in a manner that is insulting has also violated the prohibition. The same is true about writing something insulting or embarrassing about another (Rema, Even Ha’ezer 129:16).