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Why does the Torah (תורה) describe Hashem (ה׳) as "Kana" (jealous) when jealousy destroys people? The shiur distinguishes two types of kinah: destructive jealousy over what belongs to others versus healthy kinah—protecting and developing what's uniquely yours. This framework explains Hashem's kinah for avodah zarah, a husband's kinah, and kinas sofrim as guarding one's own unique path in Torah rather than competing for others' abilities.
Rabbi Zweig explores an apparent contradiction: the Torah (תורה) describes Hashem (ה׳) as "Kana" (jealous) regarding avodah zarah, the Rambam (רמב"ם) praises Pinchas's kinah, and the Gemara (גמרא) speaks positively of "kinas sofrim"—yet the Mishna teaches that kinah is utterly destructive, "motzi es ha'adam min ha'olam" (removes a person from the world). How can jealousy be both praiseworthy and devastating? The resolution lies in understanding two fundamentally different types of kinah. Destructive kinah is wanting what belongs to someone else—their abilities, possessions, or accomplishments. This type of jealousy consumes and maims a person, making it impossible to live a healthy life. It is self-defeating because even if one obtains what another has, it won't bring satisfaction since it's not suited to one's own nature and purpose.
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Ki Sisa - Hashem described as "Keil Kana"
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