Reasons to be happy

There is much concern about anti-Israel and antisemitic protests worldwide, especially in Europe and the U.S.

Actually, instead of causing worry and concern, there is much reason for optimism. Especially with Israel about to destroy a fanatical enemy of civilized mankind. And especially as we see Israel standing strong, not allowing world pressure to deter them. And especially when we see the U.S. sending aircraft carriers and a nuclear submarine to support Israel. And especially when we see Western powers clamping down strongly on hate and antisemitism (unlike what happened during World War Two). These are just some of the amazing wonders that we are witnessing these days.

I remember when, as a Yeshiva student, I was in 770 Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn New York, during the Yom Kippur War. The Lubavitcher Rebbe encouraged everyone to be happy during Sukot, since it is a Mitzva to be happy then, and also because G-d reflects what we do; so when we are happy, G-d is happy, and does even more miracles for us.

So we were very happy. We danced, we sang, and rejoiced. And Israel won. The Rebbe later explained, that the Egyptians could have gone straight to Tel Aviv, there was no army in between to stop them. But G-d performed a miracle. He confused them, so that they waited, giving Israel time to mobilize and counter attack.

I remember that at one point during Sukot, one of the older Chassidim spoke about the soldiers who were dying. He encouraged other Chassidim to approach the Rebbe and give him a note, asking him to pray.

I later heard, that when the Chassidim did this, the Rebbe said, “Ich bin geshtanen in a kav fun simcha, ir hot mir aroisgenumen fun a kav fun simcha, un mir areingeshtelt in a kav fun mirirus. Nu, az Chassidim geben, darf men nemen.” (I was in a mode of happiness. You took me out of this mode, and put me in a mode of bitterness. But, when Chassidim give, one needs to take it.)

The older Chassidim learned a lesson. When the Rebbe says that being happy is the thing to do, then that’s what the Chassidim need to do.

We are now seeing many miracles, as G-d Almighty orchestrates everything by Divine Providence, to protect the Jewish nation, and to bring the Redemption, which will bring peace to the entire world, when all nations will recognize G-d and obey His commandments (namely: the Seven Noahide laws that G-d told Moses at Mount Sinai to tell all nations of the world, and the 613 Mitzvot enumerated in the Torah, for the Jewish people.)

By strengthening our trust in G-d, we spread happiness to others. And we will soon merit the complete Redemption with Moshiach when, as it states (Psalm 126; 2) “Then our mouths will be filled with laughter,” and (Isaiah 35; 10) “The joy of the world will be upon them.”

May it happen very soon.