How do we deal with liars, people who spread false words and accuse others unjustly? It’s called lashan hara – evil speech – and it is regarded as one of the worst actions any of us can do. It hurts the falsely attacked, the one who listens and even the one who makes the unfounded statements. It’s like listening to poisonous snakes. In the past such behavior would engender markings on your clothing and your house walls and your body. No more. So what to do? The sages speak of our being given holes in our ears where we can put our fingers to avoid hearing and being influenced by such disgusting speech. May we be reminded to shut off listening to evil ones.