Jewish Speaking

Themes & Theology of Speech

Jewish Speech. Themes and Theology of Jewish Speech. Jewish Speaking

Buying Truth, Speaking Truth, Acknowledging Truth

Selections from traditional sources

Who Was the Chofetz Chayyim?

This influential 20th-century Jewish figure established his reputation first and foremost as an opponent of lashon hara, evil speech.

Quiz: Jewish Ethics

Jewish Speech. Themes and Theology of Jewish Speech. Jewish Speaking

Confrontational Speech: The Requirement to Rebuke

The Bible would have us offer reproof to others when we ourselves have been wronged; the ancient rabbis encouraged wider use of this sort of speech.

Types of Speech

Types of Jewish Speech. Themes and Theology of Jewish Speech. Jewish Speaking.

Slander

Jewish law's response to slander over the ages moved from strong disapproval to imposing real communal consequences.

Truth and Lies in the Jewish Tradition

Jewish moralist literature sets a high standard of truthtelling, but one not without exceptions.

Comparing Vows and Oaths in Judaism

The act of speaking an oath or a vow aloud gives it binding force in traditional Jewish law.

Lashon Hara (Evil Speech)

Jewish tradition regards various types of harmful speech as a serious sin, even if it's true.