By Yael Schneersohn
“You just can’t live in that class!” announced Chani as she walked in the door.
Duvi was home alone, in his room, studying for a test. Their mother had gone to the doctor with the two youngest children and their father was still at work.
Upon hearing his sister’s declaration, Duvi left his book and his room. He was curious about what led Chani to make that dramatic announcement.
“What happened, Chani?”
Ever since he and Chani had decided to live peacefully together, as in Yemos HaMoshiach, they had become closer. “Why do you sound so upset?”
“My class is awful.”
Chani was happy to share her problem with her brother. “There is constant fighting, cliques, and competition. Each one tries to be better than the rest, more diligent, more talented, more socially popular, more and more and more …
“And today, the teacher said I am picked to speak on behalf of our school at the upcoming national convention. Right away, some of the girls, I won’t say their names because that would be lashon hara, whispered loudly enough for me to hear, ‘That’s not fair!’
“They’re just jealous. Why do they care that the teacher chose me? Instead of being happy for me, instead of enjoying the fact that our class will be represented on the stage before all the schools, each one thinks only of herself. Each one wonders, why her? Why not me?”
“They’re all like that?” asked Duvi.
“No. Not all of them. There is a group of girls who, um … are leaders in the class, and they think they deserve everything. If the teacher picks a girl for a job and she’s not from their clique, they are jealous and they gossip about her. Oy! It’s really aggravating!”
Duvi felt bad for his older sister. It’s really unpleasant when people are not happy for you and don’t fargin what you got, when they don’t let you be happy and they ruin the good feeling with their comments and attitude.
“Brachi, my good friend, says to me, ‘Don’t pay attention to them; they’re just jealous,’” said Chani, encouraged by her brother’s empathy. “But although that’s easy to say, it’s hard to do. I was so happy that the teacher had announced that I had been picked, but a moment later, they took all the wind out of my sails. Their jealous whispering took all the pleasure out of it.”
“I can understand that,” said Duvi, thinking for a moment. “But I think Brachi is right. Don’t think too much about those girls. Why do you care what they say? You were picked, after all, whether they like it or not. It’s not up to them. If the teacher chose you, she knows that you are the most suited for this. It’s a pity to ruin it for yourself because of some jealous girls.”
“You’re right, Duvi.” Chani looked at him admiringly. “I think that instead of concentrating on them, I will go and prepare my speech. I really want to do a good job in representing the school. Do you have an idea about what I can speak about?”
“What’s the theme of the convention?” asked Duvi.
“The prophecies of the Geula,” said Chani. “I need to pick one of the things that will happen in Yemos HaMoshiach and talk about it. But there are so many topics. What do you suggest, Duvi?”
Duvi thought for a bit. There were really so many topics, all interesting. Which one should Chani choose?
“I have an idea,” he said, suddenly jumping up. “An idea that can also help your friends deal with their jealous feelings.”
“What’s your idea?”
“Talk about what it says in the Rambam, that at that time there won’t be any jealousy and competition!” said Duvi triumphantly. “Explain to them why jealousy is a galus emotion. When each person looks to see what the other person got, she’s not examining the treasures Hashem gave her. She’s constantly comparing herself to others. That’s jealousy, and that’s galus. That’s what destroys our quality of life. People walk around tense, constantly checking what the other one got that she didn’t get. Each one trying to be bigger at the other one’s expense.
“But when Moshiach comes, says the Rambam, there won’t be jealousy. Nobody will want to feel more important than his fellow. Nobody will look for ways to be greater, to expand his ego. Everyone will be united with Hashem and His Will, and everyone will want only the best for others and will rejoice with their joy.
“Life will be relaxed and pleasant. Nobody will feel stressed about how to prove they are smarter, more talented, or more socially acceptable. Without jealousy, everyone will be happy and people will feel a sense of well-being and brotherliness with others.
“You can suggest to all those who attend the convention, including your classmates, to try it. To try and imagine what a wonderful world it will be. A world without competition, without hatred and jealousy. You can suggest that they start living that way now, in a world where each person respects the other and loves and is happy for others.”
“Duvi, you are a great speaker!” enthused Chani. “How about speaking instead of me at the convention?”
“Do you promise not to be jealous of me?” asked Duvi, making a serious face. And they both burst out laughing.