Lo Sachmod

This short booklet contains an essay on the subject of Jealousy. The Torah in the 10 Commandments commands a Jew not to covet the item of another, otherwise known as Lo Sachmod. What are the parameters of this prohibition? Is even the mere feeling of envy and jealousy, which is a natural and instinctive human emotion, prohibited? In this essay we will review the Talmudic and Halachic description of this prohibition which limits it towards engaging in taking possession of the item that one covets from another. If one desires a neighbor’s house or car, may he discuss a purchase deal with them? How much pressure must be implemented onto the individual in order to transgress this prohibition? What items does the prohibition apply to? How is the prohibition transgressed if one covets another man’s wife? What is the difference between the prohibition of Lo Sachmod and Lo Sisaveh? Does the prohibition apply towards items of a Gentile? What is the gravity of the feeling of jealousy and what are some ways of mitigating it? All this and more will be discussed in this essay, in which we will conclude with a summary of the story of Achav who coveted the vineyards of Navos brought in Tanach, and it’s tragic outcome.