Mishmeres HaSholom: Ask the Rav

Q: In one of Mishmeres HaSholom’s recent issues, I read the Rav’s answer regarding self-awareness groups, where discussions of personal problems can lead to lashon hara.

I attend a Rebbetzin’s class on tznius and lashon hara. During the course of the shiur, members raise personal questions that sometimes include negativity about husbands and children.

Is it permissible for me to continue attending this shiur? Should I alert the Rebbetzin of the risks involved in these discussions?

A: There is no heter for public discussion regarding husbands or other family members. (It is sometimes allowed with regard to little children.) These discussions are troublesome for many reasons, as explained in our original answer.

You must bring this to the attention of the Rebbetzin and avoid these transgressions, so that the shiur won’t be a mitzvah haba b’aveira, chas v’shalom.