78. Lashon Hara Continued

Deios 7:5

It makes no difference whether one speaks lashon hara in the subject’s presence or behind his back. Statements that relate information that, when disseminated, will cause harm to a person or his property, or will even annoy or frighten him, are all lashon hara. If a statement is made in front of three people, one may assume that the information is already become public knowledge. Therefore, if one of the three listeners retells the matter, it is not considered lashon hara so long as his intention was not to further publicize the matter.

Deios 7:6

All of the above cases are people who speak lashon hara and one is forbidden to live in their neighborhoods. It is all the more prohibited to socialize with them and to listen to their conversation. The judgment against the generation of the Exodus was only finalized because of lashon hara.