Cursing

Cursing

 

Cursing another Jew using Hashem’s Name, in any language, is a violation of a Torah commandment. Saying “G-d should help that you should not be successful,” or “G-d should help that you should miss the bus,” or something similar, is also a form of cursing. Even if the other person is not present or does not hear, it is nevertheless considered a curse. Some say that this applies even if the intent is for the other person’s benefit, thinking, for example, that it would be beneficial for the other person to miss the bus. Even when Hashem’s Name is not used—and it is therefore not a violation of the specific Torah prohibition against using Hashem’s name to curse—nonetheless, it is still forbidden. According to some opinions, it is prohibited because it is a violation of the mitzvah of ve’ahavta lereiacha kamochah, loving your fellow Jew. However, the Gemara mentions a form of curse that is actually meant as a blessing, but is couched in a curse (according to Chassidic teachings, this was done for Kabalistic reasons in order to elicit even greater brachos, blessings, than would otherwise have been possible). That form of “curse” is permissible, and in fact there were great tzadikim who would engage in such a practice. 

 

https://halacha2go.com?number=245

Practical Halacha: One minute a day. By Horav Yosef Yeshaya Braun, shlita, Mara D'asra and member of the Badatz of Crown Heights.