In this powerful Mussar Masterclass from Orchot Tzaddikim's Gate of Slander, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe explores the destructive power of Lashon Hara (slander), gossip, and revealing secrets, teaching that words can cause emotional, financial, physical, and spiritual harm. The discussion emphasizes that speech is never neutral—our words either build or destroy. Whether through sharing private information, repeating rumors, or revealing confidential matters, a person who misuses speech can damage relationships, communities, and ultimately themselves.

The episode then uncovers a deeper psychological truth taught by the Talmud: people often criticize in others the very flaws they carry within themselves. A person's conversations reveal their true priorities, passions, and character. Someone who constantly discusses Torah demonstrates a love of Torah; someone obsessed with material pleasures reveals what occupies their heart. What we talk about is often the clearest reflection of who we are.

Rabbi Wolbe concludes with a profound lesson on finding the good in others. Drawing from the symbolism of the new moon and stories from the sages, he teaches that every person possesses a "sliver of goodness" that deserves recognition and praise. Strong marriages, healthy relationships, successful parenting, and thriving communities are built by focusing on virtues rather than faults. The challenge of life is not finding flaws—they are easy to find—but training ourselves to seek out and magnify the good.
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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 February 2, 2026, in Houston, Texas.
Released as Podcast on June 1, 2026
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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)
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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.
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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

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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

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Keywords:
#JewishInspiration, #Mussar, #MasterClass, #lashonhara, #guardyourtongue, #chofetzchaim, #Slander, #Gossip, #ShmirasHaLashon, #teshuvah, #judgefavorably, #dignity, #powerofspeech, #repentance

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