30 Sivan 5783 – June 19, 2023
Jealousy is usually seen and perceived as a negative trait.
It is good to realise that every person gets exactly what they need, what they are entitled to.
“The Eyes of Hashem your God are always upon it, from the beginning of the year to the end of the year” (Deuteronomy/Devarim 11:12) And the Talmud states that a person’s parnassah (income and livelihood) for the entire year is determined on Rosh Hashanah.
In material matters, one who is “satisfied with his lot” (Avot 4:1) is an individual of the highest quality. A person possessing this trait will, through avoda, attain the highest levels.
However, this does not apply when it comes to spiritual matters. One should look at those who are spiritually on a higher level and envy their connection, closeness with G-d. We should strive to learn to pray at their level, to get to a level of knowledge what they have. Adopt their goodness and generosity, their words of kindness should sound from our mouths etc.
Not envy the spiritual affairs of others and be satisfied with his lot is the worst deficiency, and leads, G‑d forbid, to descent and falling [1] on a spiritual level.
When a person makes every effort to improve their spiritual level by committing to increase their spiritual deeds of Torah, mitzvot and prayer, he will thereby bringing down the abundant blessings of parnassah from Heaven. [2]
The opposite is also the case. If our spiritual level and associated deeds and words become less, the parnassah will also become minde.
It is like what we can hear in morning prayers:
He rewards man with kindness according to his deeds. He sends evil to the wicked according to his wickedness.
By Angelique Sijbolts
Sources
[1] HaYom Yom from Monday, 30 Sivan 5783 / June 19, 2023
[2] Protect Your Livelihood
Rosh Hashana 16b
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