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We are enjoined to send the afflicted leper out of the various camps, so that he be secluded from all people. It is appropriate that this individual who through his slander caused discord and strife among his fellow man, should now be forced to live in seclusion, which will cause him to reflect upon his terrible deeds. The Talmud includes the leper among the various people who because of their unfortunate situations are considered as dead (Nedarim 64b). At first glance it would appear that he is “considered as dead” due to the pain and gravity of his illness. The…

It is stated throughout Chazal that the various plagues are a direct result of speaking slander. Why do not gentiles receive a similar punishment? Is it not likewise improper for them to speak lashon horah? We may respond by reflecting upon the harm that is caused by speaking lashon horah. Slander in its various forms causes tremendous harm to interpersonal relations. The unified social structure of our people can be destroyed through the spreading of slander. The Jewish people have as a mandate from Hashem to be unified, to exist in harmony with each other. Since the soul of Klal…