Lashon Hara (Negative Speech)
Question
Shalom.
I have a brother who is a few years younger than me. My parents forbade him to do something, and I see him doing it when they are not around.
My parents ask me whether he did it, and I don’t know if I am allowed to say that he did; I am not sure it is for a constructive purpose.
If it is permitted, I would also like to know whether I must, or am allowed, to tell them about it on my own initiative.
Thank you very much.
Answer
Shalom and blessings.
If this is a spiritual issue, which the parents will be able to deal with, you should tell them on your own initiative, in order to help your brother.
If it concerns using things that the parents do not permit, and it is not related to spirituality, you may answer the parents if they ask.
You do not need to worry that the parents will not use this knowledge for the benefit of your brother.
[If in this particular case you know that the parents do not treat your brother properly, you should ask again in a more detailed way, since sometimes this is a reason not to tell them anything at all.]
