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How can jealousy be destructive yet the Torah (תורה) commands God's jealousy over idolatry and a husband's jealousy over his wife? The Hebrew root kinah means acquisition - destructive jealousy seeks to acquire others' possessions, while healthy jealousy protects what's rightfully yours. The antidote to harmful jealousy is actively appreciating what you already have.
This shiur examines the Mishna's statement that jealousy (kinah) 'takes a person out of the world' and literally causes bones to rot according to Rashi (רש"י). Rabbi Zweig addresses the apparent contradiction between jealousy being destructive yet the Torah (תורה) commanding certain forms of jealousy - God being called 'El Kanna' (jealous God) regarding idolatry, and the mitzvah (מצוה) for a husband to be jealous when suspecting his wife of infidelity. The resolution lies in understanding the Hebrew root of kinah (kaf-nun), which means acquisition or ownership. Destructive jealousy involves wanting to acquire what belongs to others, while healthy jealousy means protecting and appreciating what is rightfully yours. The Ramban (רמב"ן) notes that God's jealousy only appears regarding idolatry, which the Talmud (תלמוד) compares to adultery since the Jewish people are considered God's bride from the marriage at Sinai.
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Pirkei Avos 4:21
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