Hoshana Rabbah usually marks the culmination, the ‘sealing’ of the final Divine Judgment for every Jew. The actual decision is given out from Heaven on Hoshana Rabbah.
Simchat Torah is another chance for us, an opportunity to continue. Rebbe Nachman, for instance, explains that during the evening prayer on Simchat Torah, after the Shema, when we recite “emet ve’emuna,” a person’s parnasa (livelihood) for the year is determined.
However, this year, Hashem didn’t waste any time. On Simchat Torah in Eretz Yisrael, tragedy struck. Pogroms, and the loss of Jewish lives – over 1300 Jews were killed or went missing. We haven’t seen such a magnitude of suffering since the Holocaust. Tiny troubles here and there are nothing compared to this. Eretz Yisrael is in turmoil; people are deeply saddened.
It’s evident that Hashem wants us to awaken, to do teshuva (repentance), and that Mashiach is on his way. But what am I supposed to do? I feel utterly broken. The media only makes it worse. Images of Jewish children in Gaza being kidnapped and mistreated, or the sight of grieving parents looking for their missing children – the pain is excruciating. It’s not just compassion for those in distant lands; it’s our own people suffering.
So, here’s the question: how can I find happiness when Am Yisrael, our nation, is in mourning? You might think, ‘Don’t be happy.’ But that’s exactly what the oppressors want. Reb Noson writes that the nation’s main goal in exile is to make us sad. Even watching Holocaust videos, the typical reaction is sadness. Sometimes the damage to our happiness is greater than the benefit. You have to weigh carefully. When we’re mourning, if we get too sad and can’t serve Hashem properly, it’s not worth it.
Rebbe Nachman was clear – ‘it’s a great mitzvah to always be happy’. You can’t serve Hashem if you’re not happy. Depression and sadness are the main tools of the yetzer hara (evil inclination) in exile. And now, when we’re bombarded with depressing news on social media, it’s harder than ever to stay upbeat. I have to be a part of my Jewish nation, but not on condition to feed the inner yetzer hara that thrives on sad news. It’s absurd and dangerous, and they’re doing a good job at it.
People are questioning how Hashem could allow this? It’s a challenging time, and we’re trying to understand what’s happening.
Let’s begin with the fact that these events occurred on Simchat Torah (in the Holy Land). This already gives us a hint. Simchat Torah is one of the most joyous days of the year, a day when we are meant to be happy. Rebbe Nachman himself once expressed that he had experienced such profound joy on one Simchat Torah that he danced alone, even in the solitude of his room. Reb Noson, in various places, expressed his own ability to recall the true Simchat Torah joy many times during the year.
There is no greater joy than understanding and appreciating one’s Yiddishkeit. The greatest joy is being a Jew, knowing you possess eternal meaning, value, and worth. Every mitzvah creates an eternal connection that cannot be erased by sin or misdeeds. This connection is even more enhanced when tzaddikim enter the picture, bringing us closer to Hashem. Everything we do, from wearing Tefillin to observing Shabbat and giving Tzedakah, takes on a new level of significance.
Depression and sadness are the main tools of the evil inclination
The main attack targeted a gathering of approximately 3,000 young people between the ages of 18 and 30 attending a secular festival. These youths were seeking joy and happiness. They were smoking drugs and looking for happiness outside of Torah observance. Whether they were not religious from birth or came from religious families with a strict and joyless approach to their education, they were all seeking “happiness”, but who probably never tasted the true joy of Mitzvot.
What followed was profoundly painful.
The Torah in Parshat Ki Tavo, warns of the curses, including the taking of hostages of sons and daughters. The reason given for these punishments is that we failed to serve Hashem with joy and gladness. The text reads, ‘[All this will befall you]… because you did not serve Hashem, your Lord, with joy and a glad heart.’ The consequence is the raping and killing of our children, the most painful of all.
So, why is this happening? The answer is simple—it’s because we’re not serving Hashem with joy. This is a wake-up call about joy. These events occurred on Simchat Torah, a day meant for happiness. Hashem didn’t wait for another day. And what is our response? It’s not to be sad or worried. Instead, based on Rebbe Nachman’s teachings, when such things happen, we must increase our joy, work towards it, and seek greater Simcha.
Reb Noson says that the most powerful weapon to overcome the sadness of exile, suffering, and pain – which we are experiencing today on a clear level – is to connect our vision to the ultimate future. We need to realize that, in the end, Hashem will have His way, and evil will be punished, eradicated, and destroyed. The good will emerge victorious, and the Jewish people who suffered will see justice done. Even those who may not have been observant will be credited for their sacrifices. This includes a secular Jew who died on Shabbat because he was Jewish, which is considered dying on Kiddush Hashem. Such individuals have the promise of the resurrection of the dead.
Reb Noson’s teaching highlights the importance of connecting our present with the future. When we face suffering and darkness, living only in the present can be overwhelming. This current situation is illogical and irrational. But by connecting our present with the future, by understanding that ultimately things will work out for the good, we can maintain our sanity.
The Jewish trait of “patience” becomes our strength. We always look to the future, understanding that every detail in our lives has meaning, purpose, and value, and everything is recorded and rewarded. We must patiently wait for the ultimate resolution, for the time when Hashem’s plan becomes clear and good prevails.
The coming of Mashiach, the resurrection of the dead, and all the good are on the horizon, and this perspective helps us navigate the present challenges.
A Jew who lacks faith cannot truly connect the present moment with the future. The key is having emunah, faith, that what you do now has repercussions for your future. It’s crucial to understand that there’s no mitzvah, no commandment, in being sad and depressed. When you face a world in turmoil, feeling down, heavy, and depressed, it won’t get you far. This state is contrary to what is stated in Parshat Ki Tavo that the curses and tribulations come because “we did not serve Hashem with joy”. Hashem wants your joy; He seeks it.
The challenge we face is to always work towards being happy – always. It doesn’t mean you should deny or disregard the mourning and sadness that people may feel. Instead, it’s about choosing to maintain a sense of joy. You must work for extra simcha, even when it’s difficult, as it’s an integral part of living a Jewish life. Our response to the world’s challenges should not be panic, worry, or despair, but rather maintaining our simcha and trusting that everything will ultimately be good.
This attitude is crucial for bringing Mashiach. It’s a prerequisite. The message is that you have to work on being besimcha, and the world depends on you.
The Yetzer Hara thrives when we are sad. It wins when you give in to sadness. If you can demonstrate genuine simcha in the face of adversity, it’s a form of resistance. The situation is testing us, trying to break our happiness and make us feel miserable, but that’s not what’s needed. What’s needed is to draw down positive energy.
Hashem’s timing, choosing Simchat Torah for these events, is a test to see if we can maintain our happiness and positivity. It’s an opportunity to bring salvation, and the solution lies in an outpouring of true simcha.
Even amidst tragedy, it’s essential to work on being positive. Engage in activities that make you happy, whether it’s learning Torah, saying Psalms, taking a walk, or simply telling jokes. This is especially important during challenging times when it’s easy to get sucked into negativity. Despite the tragedy, the response must be a “super bulldozer dosage of Simcha.” This reverse psychology is what’s required. Hashem is not trying to make us sad, but to inspire us to become more positive. The situation is a test, and the solution is to draw down positive energy.
The story of the 3,000 teenagers seeking joy emphasizes the need for true Simcha. The tragedy, the captives, the murdered, and the tortured, as mentioned in Parshat Ki Tavo, all serve as a wake-up call to serve Hashem with joy. The essence of Simcha is not to be found in fleeting pleasures such as alcohol, dancing, or indulgence, but rather in the deep, long-lasting joy that emerges as a by-product of performing mitzvot and serving Hashem with a full heart.
Rabbi Nachman’s “fabulous five” pieces of advice on achieving happiness:
- Telling Jokes: Making people smile and laugh.
- Music and Dancing.
- Recognizing and focusing on your good points.
- Hoda’ah (Gratitude): As you get older, you’ll appreciate the miracles of life more and more.
- Looking at the Future: Connecting your current actions with the eternal future, understanding that every Mitzvah is an eternal investment.
It’s vital to emphasize that Hashem loves us. Even in the face of tragedy, ultimately, it will be for the good. We might not understand it fully in the present moment, but Hashem’s ways are beyond our comprehension.
When we are hit by something unexpected or tragic, like recent events, it’s often a test to see how we react. Falling into sadness, depression, and negativity is not the desired response. Instead, we must work to get back up, maintain a positive outlook, and recognize that this is part of a bigger plan. There’s no mitzvah in the Torah to be sad, and Hashem despises sadness and depression.
In summary, the current circumstances necessitate our cultivation of Simcha, which in turn strengthens our Emunah. We must maintain our positive energy, avoid excessive exposure to negative news, and focus on the good. It is through Simcha and Emunah that we can draw blessings into the world and bring about positive change.
Simcha, in Breslev teachings, stands for four devotions that boost your happiness, and these are associated with the four letters in the word “Simcha.”
- Shin (Sin): Learning Halacha (ש’לחן ערוך) daily, even if it’s just a few halachic points, can have a healing effect. It offers clarity and removes frustration in life. Learning and understanding Torah law can have a positive impact on your emotional state.
- Mem: Going to the mikveh (מקוה) regularly. Mikveh is a Jewish ritual bath, and even for men, going daily or as often as possible can help you feel reborn and refreshed. It’s a way to start anew and can change your perspective.
- Chet: Waking up at midnight (ח’צות). It can be challenging but worthwhile. The nighttime hours are considered highly spiritual, and dedicating that time for Torah study, connecting with Hashem, and mourning over the Temple can bring great spiritual elevation.
- Hey: Practicing Hitbodedut (ה’תבודדות), which involves setting aside daily time to speak to Hashem in personal prayer and reflection. This dialogue with Hashem helps maintain clarity and brings a sense of connection, which is essential for a healthy mental and spiritual state.
These devotions and practices can help you maintain Simcha and clarity in your life, even in challenging times. They enable you to overcome confusion and frustration, feel connected, and have a sense of purpose and direction.
Maintaining Simcha is crucial, even in the face of difficult circumstances, as the real battle is to avoid falling into sadness and depression. External factors such as the media can contribute to these negative emotions, but individuals should strive to counteract them by spreading positivity and holding onto their joy.
Remember, you are facing a major test that goes beyond the challenges of war and bloodshed; it’s the battle against sadness and depression. It’s crucial not to fall into the trap of feeling sad and depressed. A person who is alive but sad and depressed is worse off than a dead person who was happy. The ultimate goal is to remain strong, resist succumbing to external pressures, and maintain your Simcha.
Stay strong, and don’t let the pressures of current events bring you down. In time, you’ll learn to maintain Simcha, despite the challenges you face.
Meir Elkabas
