How Did The Cult Of Lashon Hara Laws Strangle Open Discussion In Orthodox Life?

For the first 3000 years of its history, judging by its sacred texts, the Jews had open discussion of individuals. The Bible and the Talmud were never shy about describing people in detail, even negative detail. Then a thicket of laws against gossip arose, crowned by the impenetrability of the Chofetz Chaim, and now you can’t even discuss a public figure in Orthodox life without cries of lashon hara. What happened?

About Luke Ford

I've written five books (see Amazon.com). My work has been covered in the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, and on 60 Minutes. I teach Alexander Technique in Beverly Hills (Alexander90210.com).
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