A new lesson by the Chief Rabbi of Dnipro, Shmuel Kaminezki, dedicated to the weekly Torah portion “Vayeishev,” has been released on the “Menorah” YouTube channel. In this address, Rabbi Shmuel touches upon a topic that sounds especially relevant: when can a feeling, usually destructive, suddenly become a source of growth? Is “useful envy” possible, and what does the Torah say about it?
The portion “Vayeishev” describes the drama that unfolded in Jacob’s family and led to tragic events in Joseph’s life. A single gift—a luxurious multi-colored coat—was enough for the brothers to be ignited by dark jealousy, which later turned into a grave sin, sale into slavery, and years of wandering. Rabbi Shmuel analyzes how an ordinary feeling can destroy an entire family if not managed, and why precisely envy became the beginning of the chain of events that determined the fate of the entire Jewish people.
The lesson offers an unexpected yet profound thought: envy can have a different nature. Alongside the dark, destructive force, there exists another kind—”white envy,” that is, healthy internal competition that motivates a person to grow. Rabbi Shmuel draws a parallel between the story of Joseph and the spirit of Hanukkah, showing how precisely the positive striving for better helped the Jewish people not only endure but also achieve success. A special place in the lesson is given to the words of the Lubavitcher Rebbe on how to properly direct this force and how to turn another’s success into one’s own inspiration.
The lesson is addressed to everyone who wants to understand human nature more deeply, learn to manage their own emotions, and find spiritual guidance in everyday life. It will help to see how complex feelings can become a powerful motivation for growth and why the Sages say: “The envy of the wise increases wisdom.”
The new episode is already available on the “Menorah” YouTube channel. Watch the video and share your impressions—discussing this topic opens up many important questions for which everyone finds their own answer.
