("evil speech"). Talebearing and slander are considered in both biblical and talmudic writings as a most serious offense. The negative biblical commandment is found in Leviticus 19:16: "You shall not spread slanderous tales among your people." Leshon ha-ra includes all forms of talebearing, the mildest of which is gossip (Heb. reḥilut). Even a "trace of evil speech" is prohibited. The worst offense is deliberately speaking falsely, with the intention of injuring the other party, the most extreme example of which are accusations made to the authorities with the intention of injuring a fellow Jew's livelihood, or even endangering his life. Perpetrators of such an offense are designated malshinim (informers), concerning whom the Amidah prayer is highly condemnatory.
The gravity of leshon ha-ra within the biblical context is indicated by the severity of the punishment meted out to offenders. Miriam was stricken with leprosy for having spoken ill of her brother Moses, even though what she said about him was true (Num. 12). The talmudic sages even went so far as to assert that slander is worse than the capital sins of murder, idolatry, and incest. This in part derives from their belief in the great power inherent in speech, derived from the biblical saying, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue" (Prov. 15:2). They frequently compare the slanderer to the thief and the adulterer, and deny him a place in the World to Come. Four categories of people will not be received into the Divine Presence: sycophants, liars, slanderers, and scoffers (Sot. 42a). The slanderer is regarded as killing three persons: himself, the one who listens, and the person being slandered.
The most comprehensive discussion of all the issues pertaining to leshon ha-ra is found in the work of the modern halakhic scholar ḥafets ḥayyim.
