Hatred and Jealousy. How are they related? Rabbi Akiva's 24,000 students died in a plague and the reason the Gemarra gives is that 'they did not show proper honour and respect to one another." A less well known source teaches that these students had 'tzaras ayin' towards one another. They saw each other as a 'threat'. How can I feel special if you are also equally successful as I am in the same area or skill. "I thought I was pretty good looking, until I met you!: