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Sefer Chafetz Chayim
Hilchot Esurei Rechilut
Kelal Beit

Hilchot Esurei Rechilut

nd
Kelal Beit (RK2- 2 chapter)
The law as it relates to the leniency of “In the presence
of three people” in a framework of Rechilut. Other
details will also be discussed. There are 4 halachot
in this Kelal.

Be'er Mayim Chayim on page 133

RK2/ . It is forbidden to gossip even if only spoken in front of
one person and of course it is forbidden (1) if spoken in front of
many people.

Mekor Hachayim RK2/2. Even suggestions of Rechilut (Avak Rechilut, the “dust”
Be'er Mayim Chayim on page 135

of Rechilut) are forbidden in all circumstances (I will define Avak
th
Rechilut further on in the Kelal). Even if the comments “Plony”
told this speaker could be interpreted in two different ways, if the
speaker conveys Plony’s remarks in a framework that becomes
apparent (2) as degradation, that Plony specifically intended
to demean the “victim,” then of course it would be forbidden to
convey those remarks in any circumstance. Even if the speaker
conveys Plony’s remarks in the context that they lean towards the
other way of understanding them (meaning, that they lean towards
an interpretation that is not denigrating) and that there was no intent
to demean the listener, nevertheless if the speaker knows the mindset
of the listener (3) (the “victim”), that he is contentious (meaning,
that the “victim” is constantly forming harsh opinions of people,

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