Posted on 01/06/20
This article is adapted from my upcoming sefer, “What Can I Say... Today?” All halachos mentioned herein are complex and part of a larger framework. The purpose of the article is to raise awareness of these essential halachos. Hence, one should not draw any practical conclusions without first consulting a Rav.
Research
A common situation of to’eles is when one needs to find out information about someone to determine whether he should hire him for a job or enter into a partnership with him (whether in business or shidduchim). In this situation one may research the potential laborer or partner by making inquiries about him. We will now discuss the applications as they pertain to a partnership. In a separate article we discuss the applications that specifically pertain to shidduchim, which are dealt with more extensively in halachic literature. Note that many of the details discussed in regard to researching a shidduch also apply to looking into a potential partner. Therefore, it is prudent for one who is asking or answering questions about a potential business partner to read our article about shidduchim, as well. He should also seek the guidance of a Rav for making the proper applications.
Guidelines for the Questioner
The Chofetz Chaim writes that in such a situation, one is required to inform the one whom he is asking why he is seeking the information. If he would not, he would transgress the prohibition of lifnei iver, as he may cause the other party to relate loshon hora without the realization and intention that it is for a to’eles.
The Chofetz Chaim also warns that one should not request information from a competitor of the person under discussion. The competitor, or anyone else who probably harbors negative feelings toward this individual, will likely relate false or exaggerated information. Additionally, there is a serious concern that he will not intend that his words will be for a to’eles.
There is also a halachah pertaining to listening to the response to the questions. The Chofetz Chaim warns that the listener may not believe the information. Rather, he may only be choshesh for it.
Guidelines for the Respondent
The one answering the question(s) may only respond following the conditions for to’eles. The Chofetz Chaim enumerates five conditions. (These have been discussed in an earlier article. We will present them here as they apply to the present scenario.)
Two Conditions May Be Omitted
In an earlier article, we mentioned seven conditions that are usually required. Here, it is possible that two of the usual guidelines can be omitted: