Q&A: Slander in the Torah
Originally published:
This is an English translation (via GPT-5.4). Read the original Hebrew version.
Slander in the Torah
Question
Who permitted the Holy One, blessed be He, to speak slander publicly about Miriam the sister of Moses, and about Joseph, and about Balaam, and about Ahab?
Answer
Apparently He permitted Himself. The mouth that prohibited is the mouth that permitted. Balaam and Ahab are not acting as members of your people. As for Joseph and Miriam, it is for a constructive purpose, especially since this is after their deaths and there is no prohibition in that case (there is only an ancient ban on speaking ill of the dead).
What constructive purpose?