Jacob had 12 sons, including his son Joseph. One day...
"Joseph dreamt a dream which he told to his brothers, and they hated him.... He said to them ... we were binding sheaves in the middle of the field, when ... my sheaf arose and ... remained standing; then ... your sheaves ... bowed down to my sheaf." (Genesis, 37:5-7)
A LIFE LESSON
Most of us all have someone that we need to answer to in one way or another. Whether it's a supervisor at work, a teacher in school, or a parent at home, there's usually someone in our life that plays an authoritative role. Sometimes these "bosses" enjoy reminding us constantly of their authority and like to talk down to us. And other times they'll choose to treat us with the utmost respect and kindness.
Interestingly, we all find ourselves in the exact same authoritative position countless times throughout the day. There are many people in our lives over whom - if we choose to - we can exercise an enormous amount of dominance and control. We can treat these people most any way we see fit, usually with little or no consequences. For example, this can happen every time you interact with a waitress, a store clerk, or any hired help. Since these people "need" to listen to us, we have the potential to treat them with outright rudeness and disrespect.
The reason why you'll sometimes see people acting this way is that they believe it gives their ego a boost to "boss" someone around. We all have a desire on some level be in a position of authority in business, politics, or the community. So, in an unconscious effort to fulfill this desire, some people will simply choose to treat others in a manner like they rule over them and act like their sheaf arose and remained standing.
This is the mistake that Joseph made with his brothers and why they really disliked him.
There's a quick test you can take to know whether or not you're acting properly towards others. How do you treat people that you don't have to be nice to?
You can instantly learn about a person's self-esteem by observing just how they treat people to whom they don't have to be nice. Sadly, many people will act one way toward their boss and people they want to impress but then become demanding or rude when speaking to some others.
Ironically, it's actually a huge boost to your self-esteem when you treat other people - regardless of who they are - with tremendous respect. This shows that you have a strong self-image and you don't need to knock someone down in order for you to feel taller. In fact, the better you can make others feel, the higher your own self-esteem will soar. It's a law of nature. While you might feel an artificial increase in your self-esteem when others bow down to you, the exact opposite is true. So start practicing the real golden rule, and treat everyone you meet like pure gold.
(9) Robert Gold, December 5, 2020 8:09 PM
It’s our hearts that connect us!
I’m not sure what has humanity not be self-aware ... As expressed by many, there are to many instances where others are simply disregarded and not included in our concern or our attention. This base existence doesn’t recognize the very lesson of Abraham — his devotion to serving and caring for his fellow man.
The most powerful illustration for me, a beginner in exploring ontological thought, was a particular contrast in Abraham’s life. His relationship with G-d was strengthened when he interrupted his communication with our creator to greet and care for travelers. His relationship with G-d was enhanced. Yet, when he failed to fight for the life of his son, when his fear of G-d displaced his deep regard for human life — their relationship shifted immediately. The pattern of G-d communicating with Abraham ended abruptly and Abraham’s connection was diminished to those what we all experience, G-d’s messengers.
Thank you for expressing the joy of connecting with people who serve us as an aspect of life beyond gratification. Love appears to be unique — a timeless and connecting force and the very heart of spirituality.
If you are reading this, I ask that all of us consider the wisdom expressed and begin connecting and appreciating serving humanity ... most especially those who are of service. Given the pandemic — it’s long overdue our concern for healthcare workers and those who put themselves and their families at risk in service of others.
(8) mao fajardo, December 3, 2012 1:59 PM
Respect is earned not demanded. . . . Shalom !!!
Violet, December 7, 2012 11:56 PM
respect
I believe there's 2 types of respect, the one you said that it's earned and the respect that civically we should give to all..
(7) Anonymous, December 17, 2011 6:50 AM
Some mistrust evenwhen the right action is taken.
As in the story, when it was taken to the very end the brothers still had a bit of mistrust in their hearts. They could not understand why they were being treated so well after the act they committed to cause the selling into slavery. To much trust or good treatment often causes mistrust. As an example: I once worked for an agency of the Pentagon. I wrote a saying on the board behind my desk, "WE ARE TRUSTED FOR OUR WISDOM AND INTEGRITY". I was erased several times a week. I would rewrite it each time. All of my "worker-bees" were Field Grade Military officers. I gave each worker a free hand to do the job they were given. They could not understand why I given the trust I had in each of them. Soon after a firm hand had tobe taken. I often wonder why do we, including myself, at times have mistrust in a Blessing given by our Creator. I truly enjoyed your lession...keep up the good work.
(6) Keri, December 16, 2011 3:34 PM
Acknowledge People
I don't know why, but it irks me when I see people in the checkout line at the store talking on their cell phone while the cashier works. It's like the cashier is part of the background--a mechanical non-entity like the gas pump or copy machine. If you want to treat the people who work for you better, a place to start is to at least acknowledge their existence with a "hello" or "thanks."
Anonymous, November 22, 2013 12:12 AM
You are so right
It bothers me too. I also hate it when the cashiers don't acknowledge the shopper. I feel like she or he are acting like robots - mechanically doing their jobs without any human exchange of greetings. Cold. brrrr
(5) Anonymous, December 7, 2009 10:59 PM
Beautiful insights, thank you so much for that. I am very grateful.
(4) Amy Tarshis, December 20, 2008 7:22 PM
Inspiring Commentary!
Thank you for these insights - I especially liked the point you made about the personal boost to one's self esteem when we treat all others with respect. I work PT at Ellis Island & The Statue of Liberty and it is a great opportunity aspire to be a Kiddush Hashem to hundreds of tourists a day! Thank you!!!
(3) Joan Klapper, December 14, 2008 2:21 PM
Adam, I enjoyed your article very much! I liked the way in which you incorporated the parsha with A lifes Lesson. Happy Chanukah to you and the family! Much Sucess in what you are doing. Warm wishes, Luv JK
(2) Anonymous, January 7, 2008 5:35 PM
wow. interesting outlook on the sibject.
(1) Shells, November 28, 2007 4:06 PM
Thanks Adam!
Another excellent lesson. I love the way your write :0) shalom Shells x