Repeating a Conversation

2. Repeating a Conversation
by Ellen Solomon and Torah.org

An example: Reuven disparaged Shimon in front of two other people, and one of them violated the prohibition of Rechilut and told Shimon what was said against him. Even so, the second person should be careful not to talk about the incident with Shimon; certainly to spice up the story [by adding details the first "neglected"] would be forbidden and called Rechilut.

It does not matter if the second person understands from Shimon that he is uncertain about what happened - for example if Shimon had asked him, "Is what your friend said true, that Reuven insulted me in front of you two?" - unquestionably it would be forbidden to inform him.

Even in casual conversation it would be forbidden to talk about it, for through the second person's words he further strenthens the heatred Shimon harbors against Reuven, for one believes something more wheen he hears it from two people than when he hears it from only one.

There are also times that people enter into a controversy as a result of this second person because the Rechilut urged him anew.

HaLashon, Copyright © 2004 by Ellen Solomon and Torah.org.