Jewish Ethics

Understanding lashon harah, gossip, slander and other kinds of harmful speech. What kind of talk is forbidden and what kind is permitted.

Is there a moral obligation to correct someone who is doing wrong? What if to do so would embarrass the person? What is the balance between speaking out against wrongdoing and not hurting someone's feelings?

To what extent are we obligated to honor our parents? What are the exceptions or extenuating circumstances that relieve us from this obligation?

There is a mitzvah to protect one's own body (Deuteronomy 4:9). How far does this obligation go? Does it prohibit us from partaking in dangerous activities? What about cosmetic surgery?

We examine two mitzvas which illustrate how Torah expects us to be compassionate to others. The first is visiting the sick. The second is the prohibition (Deuteronomy 19:14) "Do not place a stumbling block before the blind," which can be interpreted to mean not to mislead a person with bad advice.