In day 136 of the Jewish Inspiration Podcast, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe continues his study of the Gate of Slander from Orchos Tzaddikim (Ways of the Righteous). He explains why the Sages consider Lashon Hara worse than the three cardinal sins: unlike those sins, which stem from momentary temptation and allow for Teshuvah, habitual slander becomes normalized, minimized in the speaker’s eyes (“It’s just words”), and extremely difficult to fully repent because of the hidden, far-reaching damage it causes.

Rabbi Wolbe highlights the practical devastation caused by negative speech — lost jobs, ruined marriages, damaged family relationships, and even generational harm — and the challenge of seeking forgiveness when one cannot remember everyone affected. He strongly criticizes modern media and comedy that casually destroy reputations under the guise of “journalism” or “just joking.” The class ends on an inspiring note about the tremendous positive power of speech: the same tongue that can destroy can also build, encourage, teach Torah, and bring people closer to God, as “life and death are in the hands of the tongue.”
_____________
This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Peter & Becky Botvin

Recorded at TORCH Centre in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on January 26, 2026, in Houston, Texas.
Released as Podcast on May 25, 2026
_____________
This series on Orchos Tzadikim/Ways of the Righteous is produced in partnership with Hachzek.
Join the revolution of daily Mussar study at hachzek.com.
We are using the Treasure of Life edition of the Orchos Tzadikkim (Published by Feldheim)
_____________
Listen, Subscribe & Share:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jewish-inspiration-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1476610783
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4r0KfjMzmCNQbiNaZBCSU7) to stay inspired!

Share your questions at aw@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content.
_____________

About the Host:
Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life. To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback, please email: awolbe@torchweb.org

_____________

Support Our Mission:
Our Mission is Connecting Jews & Judaism. Help us spread Judaism globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org.
Your support makes a HUGE difference!

_____________
Listen More
Other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe:

NEW!! Hey Rabbi! Podcast: https://heyrabbi.transistor.fm/episodes
Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodes
Jewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodes
Parsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodes
Living Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodes
Thinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodes
Unboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodes
Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodes

For a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.orgv

_____________
Keywords:
#JewishInspiration, #Mussar, #MasterClass, #lashonhara, #guardyourtongue, #chafetzchaim, #reputationsmatter, #spiritualgrowth

★ Support this podcast ★