GEN30 A basic principle of derech eretz is to treat every person with equal respect and honor. This will have the effect of minimizing feelings of jealousy and competition in others.  This is the intention of the Sages’ statement, “One must treat his children equally – as a result of Jacob’s gift to Joseph his brothers became jealous. A series of events ensued, culminating in our forefathers’ exile to Egypt.  Shabbat 10b.  This principle is applicable even if one’s achievements distinguish him from her peers, as was the case with Joseph. The difficulty of soothing or appeasing a person who has the feeling that he was disfavored is illustrated by the Midrash (referring to Genesis 1:16): The moon said to the Almighty, “Master of the World, can two kings wear one crown?”  [The verse refers to two great luminaries -AJL]. The Almighty answered, “Go then, and make yourself smaller.”  The moon said, “[Just] because I have expressed a legitimate point, shall I go and make myself smaller?” He said to the moon, “Go then, and have sovereignty over the day and the night.”  The moon answered, “Of what value is the light of a candle during daylight?”  He said to her: Go! Israel will count through you the days and the years.”  She said to Him: Day is the primary unit of time, and I can’t be used to count for days, as it says “And let them be for signs of the seasons and days and years.” Genesis 1:14.  The Almighty said, “Righteous ones will call themselves after you: Jacob the small, Samuel the small, David the small.”  The moon was not appeased.  The Almighty said, “Bring a sacrifice for My sake (the sacrificial goat offered each Rosh Chodesh) to atone for having made the moon smaller.”  Chullin 60b; see also Rashi commentary on Genesis 1:16.  If the High Priest becomes unfit for performing his duties, the deputy High Priest takes his place. When the High Priest is again fit to resume his duties, the deputy is divested of his duties as High Priest.  The reason behind this law is to prevent the High Priest from feeling usurped by his deputy, a feeling that could foment hatred and competitiveness.  Yoma 12b. This law exemplifies the degree of sensitivity one must develop in order to avoid hurting other people’s feelings.  Moses demonstrated this by refusing his appointment (by God) as the Jews’ spokesman to Pharaoh out of concern that his elder brother, Aaron, would feel envious.  Similarly, Moses appointed an equal number of sages from each tribe to preempt feelings of envy.  Sanhedrin 17a.  WAGS 78-80