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Kenneth Cohen

Maintaining a State of Joy

Rabbi Nachman of Breslav, is connected with the phrase that it is a great Mitzva to constantly be in a state of joy. The holiday season, with its beautiful laws and customs, enhances this possibility of achieving a state of joy.

The question is how are we able to maintain this feeling, on a daily basis, when we are faced with various challenges. The Mussar books give suggestions as to how we might reach this goal of remaining happy. They all would like us to be aware that we are in a constant battle with the Yeitzer Hara, or evil inclination.

The role of the Yeitzer Hara is to take away our joy. It is interesting that the numerical value of the word, Amalek, is equal to the word, “Safek,” which means, doubt. Amalek and the Yeitzer Hara, according to some opinions, are one and the same. If we begin to question ourselves, and allow ourselves to begin worrying about many aspects of our lives, the Yeitzer Hara and Amalek, are winning.

We must recognize that all negativity, and particularly, worrying, is the greatest impediment to take away our joy.

The classic book, “Orchot Tzaddikim,” goes so far to say that the opposite of Simcha, is worry. Every individual causes himself great harm by giving in to worry. It is the work of the Yeitzer, as nothing positive comes from worry.

The ultimate way towards maintaining joy, comes from developing a closeness with Hashem. When one achieves a level of intense love and devotion towards G-d, he will feel the Divine protection. He will be able to feel happiness and contentment at all times.

Rabbi Nachman’s statement represents a goal that we are to attempt to reach. He never said that it was easy to attain such a level. However, he believed that if we apply ourselves and do the spiritual work necessary, we will be able to fulfill the Mitzva of being in a state of joy at all times.

About the Author
Rabbi Cohen has been a Torah instructor at Machon Meir, Jerusalem, for over twenty years while also teaching a Talmud class in the Shtieblach of Old Katamon. Before coming to Israel, he was the founding rabbi of Young Israel of Century City, Los Angeles. He recently published a series of Hebrew language-learning apps, which are available at www.cafehebrew.com