The Irony Of Sibling Rivalry

Ironically, sibling rivalry is a sign of a normal, healthy home. The "luxury" of bickering over minor matters is one reserved for children who a raised in nurturing environments. Research shows that in dysfunctional homes or homes where there is an extraordinary amount of anxiety, there is little or no sibling rivalry. In these stressful homes, the children tend to cling to each other for security.

This seemingly curious phenomenon would be analogous to the political landscape in most countries. When nations are blessed with peace, there seems to be endless bickering among many elected officials. However, when presented with a common enemy or tragedy, people with opposing viewpoints set aside their differences and unite for the common good.

(Rabbi Yaakov Horowitz)