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Why does the Rambam (רמב"ם) call lo sachmod a negative commandment that stands against everything? The shiur identifies coveting as direct rebellion against Hashem (ה׳)'s sovereignty that blocks all spiritual growth. Until this fundamental challenge is addressed, no other meaningful avodah can begin.
This shiur presents a profound analysis of lo sachmod (the prohibition against coveting) as the most fundamental spiritual challenge that must be addressed before any meaningful spiritual growth can occur. The speaker argues that lo sachmod represents direct rebellion against Hashem (ה׳)'s kavod (honor) and is fundamentally different from all other aveiros (transgressions). Unlike other sins that are primarily bein adam l'chavero (interpersonal) or bein adam l'Makom (between man and God), lo sachmod is described as a direct act against the Borei (Creator) that demonstrates a lack of recognition of Hashem's sovereignty. The Rambam (רמב"ם) is cited as calling this transgression 'mitzvas lo sa'aseh k'neged kulam' - a negative commandment that stands against everything. The shiur explains that wanting more actually means having less, because when one constantly desires what others have, what they currently possess loses its ability to provide satisfaction. This creates a cycle where seeking more actually subtracts from oneself rather than adding. The speaker identifies the root of lo sachmod in the human capacity for creation, specifically through 'p'ru u'rvu' (procreation). The moment when a person becomes a parent and feels like a creator represents the greatest nisayon (test) in life, as it can lead to feeling godlike. This creative capacity, while divinely given, becomes the source of the mistaken belief that one is 'everything' rather than just another link in the chain extending from the Borei Olam. The shiur emphasizes that until lo sachmod is corrected, no other spiritual work can truly begin. While correcting lo sachmod is not the ultimate tikkun (repair), it is the prerequisite for all other spiritual growth, including proper fulfillment of mitzvos like kibbud av v'eim (honoring parents) and developing genuine relationships with others. The speaker concludes that when properly channeled, the creative capacity that leads to lo sachmod can become an opportunity for chesed (חסד) (kindness) and spiritual growth, but one must always remember that this capacity comes from Hashem and serves to further His divine plan rather than inflate one's ego.
Mishneh Torah - Rambam on Lo Sachmod
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