Question: In a meeting yesterday in trying to explain my husbands mentality, I’m afraid I spoke Loshon Hara (slanderous speech) on people I never knew and are no longer alive. If my husband would know it would be a disaster…. What can I do to correct what I’ve done (Teshuva)? 

Answer: Thank you for your question. The prohibition of Loshon Hara is specifically when you are spreading negative information for no constructive purpose. If there was a purpose in sharing that information, even if only to seek advice from others, it is allowed, and no Teshuvah is necessary. If this is not the case, then appropriate acts of Teshuvah would be to donate more charity than usual, to study the laws of Shemiras HaLashon (guarding your speech), and to help familiarize others regarding these laws.

Take care,
Rabbi Aaron Tendler