Lashon ha-Ra

Asked by Steve · December 4, 2002 · Other

Question

1. If I ask someone for mechilah, do I have to tell him what I did, or can I say, "do you forgive me for anything I might have done? 2. If I said lashon hara about a person, am I obligated to ask him mechilah, since by doing so I will cause him more distress. For example, if I go up to him, and say, please forgive me for the bad thing I said about,that will just make him feel bad.

Answer

Answered by Aaron Abadi

1) You must tell him, but without causing him more anguish & insult. 2) Ask Mechilah in a way that will not cause him more distress. AA