Lashon hara
Question
What are the obligations of a Jew to a non-Jew regarding lashon harah?
Answer
Shalom!
Thank you for your question.
According to the letter of the law, the prohibition of lashon hara does not apply to speaking lashon hara about gentiles. This is based on the wording of the verse against lashon hara which says “do not spread slander among your nation” which clearly refers to lashon hara being forbidden among Jews.
Nevertheless, the sages teach us that one should not speak lashon hara even when technically permitted so as not to accustom ourselves to this very bad habit.
See Azamroh Lishmech issue #290
Answered by
Author of the "Dalet Amot BeHalacha" series
Smicha Yoreh-Yoreh (1999) and Yadin-Yadin, author of "Dalet Amot BeHalacha" (11 volumes)
Orach Chaim, Yoreh Deah, Even HaEzer, Choshen Mishpat (excluding laws of interest)
About the Rabbi
Source
Midrash, Ki Teitzei, 6
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