Thursday Cheshvan 13 5704
Torah Lessons (5703)	Chumash: Vayeira, Chamishi with Rashi. Tehillim: 69-71. Tanya: (XXVIIb). It is stated (p. 567)...effect, as known. (p. 567).

The Baal Shem Tov used to instruct his disciples in a regular Gemara study-session.

His style of study was with great acuity and brilliance, and included a study of Rambam, Alfasi, Rosh and other commentaries of the Rishonim (early commentators) germane to the Gemara - text under examination.

The Baal Shem Tov would translate the words (of the text) into Yiddish.

When studying in Eirchin 15b the passage "The third tongue [1] kills three persons," the Baal Shem Tov translated and explained:

"Lashon Hara (the evil tongue; slander) kills all three, the inventor of the slander, the one who relates it and the listener.

This is all in spiritual terms, which is more severe than physical murder."

   

Notes:

1. (Back to text) The "third tongue" refers to the person relating a previously-heard slander.

   He acts as a "third party" or intermediary between the originator of the slander and the listener. See also Likutei Sichot, Vol. 5, p. 44 note 47.