Lying in Order to Keep a Secret
Question
Is it permitted to lie for the sake of peace?
For example: if a friend met with someone and does not want people to know, and someone asks me where he is, may I say that he is at home, or tell some other lie?
Similarly, for example, if someone is ill and he also does not want people to know about it, and someone asks me directly whether so-and-so is ill, may I say no? May I offer an explanation as to why he is not ill, etc.? Or is this forbidden?
Answer
Shalom u’vrachah.
It is permitted to lie when there is a need.
For example: it is permitted to lie in order not to reveal a secret, since this is included in the prohibition of rechilut.
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