Motzi Shem Ra for the Sake of Shalom

From: Rabbi Moshe Isserles

To: Unknown recipient

Description

The Rema argues that communal peace is a value so supreme that it permits—and perhaps necessitates—the use of "necessary untruths" or even disparaging speech to quell a devastating conflict. Drawing a bold analogy from the Sotah ritual, he contends that if G-d allows His own Holy Name to be erased for the sake of domestic harmony, a leader may similarly "erase" the truth to protect the collective from self-destruction. This radical prioritization of social stability over absolute veracity is precisely what led later authorities to question whether the Rema could have truly authored such a controversial stance.

Source: Shu"t Rema §11

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