It’s a very human feeling. And it's a feeling that our Sages grappled with too. This idea is beautifully explored in Midrash Tehillim, specifically in relation to the verse, "You have given joy to my heart" (Psalm 4:8).
What could possibly be joyful about seeing others at peace when you yourself are struggling?
The Midrash suggests a fascinating perspective. It brings up the nations of the world who observe the seven Noahide Laws. These are the basic moral laws that, according to Jewish tradition, apply to all of humanity. The Midrash states that those who uphold these laws receive peace in this world and are promised reward in the world to come.
But then comes the kicker: we, the Jewish people, are commanded with a whopping 613 mitzvot (commandments)! So, if they get peace and reward for keeping just seven laws, imagine the incredible reward that awaits us in the world to come!
It’s a clever bit of reasoning, isn’t it? When we see the relative peace of the nations, instead of feeling resentful, we can actually rejoice. We can say, "You have given joy to my heart," because it reminds us of the even greater goodness that awaits us.
To illustrate this point, Rabbi Yehoshua ben Levi shares a parable. It’s a bit… unusual, so stick with me.
Imagine a king hosting a grand feast. But instead of seating his honored guests at the head table, he places them near the entrance of a kennel. From their less-than-ideal vantage point, the guests see dogs emerging from within, happily munching on… well, let's just say unusual delicacies: muzzles, hooves, even the heads of calves.
Understandably, the guests are a little perplexed. "What kind of feast are these dogs enjoying," they wonder, "that they seem to be treated better than us?"
The Midrash then draws a parallel. The nations of the world, in this analogy, are like those dogs. As it says in Isaiah 56:11, "And the dogs are greedy." If they experience peace and prosperity in this world, how much more so will Israel experience peace in the future world?
The key here is perspective. It's not about comparing ourselves to others and feeling shortchanged. It's about recognizing the bigger picture, the ultimate reward that awaits those who strive to live a life of meaning and purpose, guided by the 613 mitzvot. The Midrash isn’t saying that we should literally rejoice in the good fortune of others while ignoring our own struggles. Rather, it’s offering a framework for understanding our place in the world and finding joy even amidst challenges.
The Midrash Tehillim invites us to see beyond the immediate and recognize the promise of a future filled with even greater peace and joy. So, the next time you see someone seemingly having it easy, remember the dogs at the feast. And remember the 613 mitzvot. It might just give you a reason to say, "You have given joy to my heart."