Joy
Joy is in short supply. Between our domestic and Israeli concerns, there is little space left for simchah or joy. And yet I want to suggest that it is in precisely such a moment that we need to create space for joy, to find room for something that can allow us to feel more whole. I want to share two teachings in that vein.
First, Rebbe Nachman teaches that it is essential to remain joyous. His followers turned that into a subversive song that says “It is a great mitzvah (commandment) to be joyous all the time!” In the 1800s, Jewish life was economically and physically precarious. Mainstream Judaism emphasized a kind of stoicism for the current circumstance with a hope for a joyous redemption.
For the Bratslav movement to then come along and proclaim we should always be joyous, that God commands joy, was shocking and subversive. It led to condemnation from other Jewish movements on that grounds that their ecstatic practices were disruptive and contrary to the Divine will. Yet for all that, the Bratslav followers persisted. For Bratslav, joy is unrelated to our current circumstance. Rather, it signifies a connection between ourselves and God. When we feel joy, we are opening up a bridge between ourselves and The Holy One. Thus, even in difficult circumstances, we need joy because that is our path to God.
Second, Rav Kook teaches that when we resonate with the pain of the community we are receiving a “reward of observance.” Observance, here, means a sense of responsibility to the other. It means our will is subject to the needs and responsibilities incurred on us by others. When we empathize with pain, we are demonstrating spiritual growth and that is a reason for joy. The pain we feel proves we are closer to humanity and God which then engenders joy.
These two teachings show how much we need joy. Letting the pain and loss in the world remove us from joy would be tantamount to losing our connection to the Most High. It is in such moments of pain and separation that we need God, and also we need joy to remind us of this great pathway to Heaven.
Sukkot begins tonight. I encourage you to find some joy. I have three suggestions:
1. Disconnect until Sunday morning. No news, to internet, no TV. You will feel bored at first, but quickly that will give way to wanting to connect with others, wanting to find some time to read or learn, and joy will emerge.
2. Let yourself be a little ridiculous. Jump and down for no reason. Tell Dad jokes. Be goofy with your children. It’s hard to resist joy when we puncture our egos and give ourselves space to be silly.
3. Spend time with the people you love. Tell them you love them. Hold them. Have a meal with them or spend some time in a Sukkah enjoying their company.
May all of us experience a joyous Sukkot filled with song, silliness, fun, loved ones, and joy.
Shabbat Shalom and Hag Sukkot Samech!
Rabbi David Booth
