What is Sinat Chinam and Do Frum Jews Conceal Sinas Chinam?

The following is from https://myrtlerising.weebly.com/blog

What Really Defines Sinat Chinam? An Over-700-Year-Old Answer

28/7/2025

Published in 1291 by Rabbeinu Bachya ben Asher, Kad HaKemach (A Jar of Flour) features a chapter (the written version of one of his orations) entitled Sinat Chinam/Baseless Hatred.

Within, Rabbeinu Bachya defines sinat chinam as deriving from envy and kavod, which manifests as rejoicing in others' misery, resenting their successes, and chanifah.

(Often translated as "flattery," chanifah means giving others the impression of forbidden behavior as okay or even praiseworthy.)

And this definition of sinat chinam destroyed the Beit HaMikdash (contrary to what you sometimes hear).

Breaking Down Sinat Chinam into 3 Parts

According to Rabbeinu Bachya, the root of sinat chinam lies in the desire to feel superior – a craving to lead others.

This results in the following quintessential sinat chinam behaviors:

• Faking sincere friendship with the conscious intent of causing others to relax their guard in order to take advantage of them.
• Feeling depressed about the success of others.
• Taking joy in the failures of others.

NOW THE FOLLOWING IS FROM RABBI AVIGDOR MILLER ZT”l