Be Jealous But Do It Right

The jealousy of scribes increases wisdom – Talmud
Thou shall not covet - The Ten Commandments

The Chofetz Chaim, Rabbi Yisrael Mayer Kagan, points out that there are two types of jealousies. One can be jealous and wanting of the good another person has. On the other hand, jealousy can come with a negative outlook towards others. This second type of jealousy does not want others to be blessed with good things even (or especially) if he himself will never have them.

When jealousy brings on a competitiveness that forces you to do better without taking away from ‘your rival’, that is OK. My brothers and I banter about the different successes that each one has in his work. Sometimes, seeing someone else be successful encourages you to see if you can do better than them.

When one is jealous of another’s positive achievements, it motivates him or her to emulate and exceed the other. This will lead to increased knowledge and goodness.In the mystical tradition “kosher” envy is more than just permissible; it is seen as a totally positive experience.

Seeing someone else’s connection with G-d impacting their life and trying to figure out their secret sauce so I too can get this close connection. is a totally positive experience.

Watching the one who constantly gives to others happily and learning their secret so I too can make giving a priority and give willingly is not an expression of “Thou shall not covet” but exactly what the Talmud is suggesting when it says “The jealousy of scribes increases wisdom”.

In short: “be jealous but do it right.”

Rabbi Kushi Schusterman