josephs@ttidcb.UUCP (Bill Josephs) (12/21/84)
In synagogue last Saturday, during a discussion of the Torah reading
(about Joseph), the rabbi presented a commentary which seemed to imply
that one of Joseph's mistakes was in being too good; not because it
was wrong to be good but because it was wrong to be or do anything
which could embarrass someone else by comparison -- in this case, his
brothers. We did not really discuss this concept other than in terms
of self righteousness, but it started me thinking:
1. I don't remember who wrote the commentary -- is anyone out
there familiar with it or with the concept?
2. How far does this idea go -- is it not acceptable to give
too nice a present if one's brothers and sisters can't
afford one for fear of making them 'look bad' by comparison.
What about other endeavors which might cause envy or jealousy in oth-
ers who might suffer by comparison.