Hilchos Lashon Hara, Opening – positive commands (7)

Whoever speaks lashon hara in a beis midrash (study hall) or a shul breaks the positive commandment (Vayikra 19:30), "You shall fear My temple [mikdashi]." Our beis midrash, too, counts as a "mikdash" (holy place).

That is why it is not allowed to do money calculations in a shul, except for mitzvah matters such as the charity box. All the more so, laughter and empty talk are forbidden there - and how much more is it forbidden to speak lashon hara and rechilus inside!

Even people who learn in a beis midrash all the time, who are allowed to eat and drink there, break "You shall fear My temple" if they speak silly, light-headed words, lashon hara or rechilus.