In the past, I’ve sometimes felt LESS happy on Purim because of my own expectation that I’d be extremely happy, or that most other Jews are tremendously happy around Purim time. We all know that we are SUPPOSED to be happy. “When the month of Adar begins, our joy increases” (Talmud, Taanit 29a).
Continue reading No Pressure PurimTag Archives: simcha
10 Types of Happy Jews
One of the best things about Judaism, which is a religion, culture and peoplehood, is that there are so many different points of access and connection. I’ve found that what brings one Jew simcha (Jewish joy) may not light up his Jewish friend.
Here are ten different types of happy Jews (just in time for Purim!). Which one or two types would you categorize yourself as? I’m #4 and #5. Please note: of course an individual Jew can feel happiness from, and identify with, multiple aspects of Judaism (this is probably ideal, in fact). But most Jews seem to have an area or two that makes them especially happy. Let’s be honest, though, we are all kind of #2 😊
Abraham Didn’t Post Pics on Instagram (Parshat Vayeira)
There is so much bragging and over-promising today.
We are on Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, etc., talking up our future fitness, financial and even spiritual achievements. Instagram is filled with pictures of the mansions people swear they will live in one day.
Even when we finally step away from social media, many of us are quick to commit to meeting with or helping our friends, but how often do we deliver?
Continue reading Abraham Didn’t Post Pics on Instagram (Parshat Vayeira)
Two Important Meanings of Lech Lecha (Aliya Day!)
There are two important meanings we can attach to the phrase “Lech Lecha” (לך לך), which appears at the beginning of this week’s Torah portion.
- The Holy Land is the Ideal Home for the Jewish People
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4 Happiness Lessons from Bereishit
Do you want to be happier? The creation story found in the first weekly Torah portion, Bereishit, has much to teach us about simcha (Jewish happiness). Here are four important lessons:
4 CRUCIAL Types of People to Make Happy!
This week’s Torah portion, Parshat Re’eh, contains an interesting passage that sheds light on Jewish happiness (#simcha) and explains four types of people who it is extremely important to make happy.
8 Reasons Israelis are So Happy (Yom Ha’atzmaut 2016)
Outside observers could reasonably conclude that Israel is a miserable country. International news reports tend to focus solely on the Middle Eastern conflict and acts of terror, while BDS protesters try to convince the world that Israelis are evil oppressors.
And yet Israel ranked 11th in the UN’s 2016 World Happiness Report (above even the U.S.). This corresponds with my own daily reality, as I observe many cheerful and enthusiastic Israelis during my daily routine. For Israel’s 68th birthday (Yom Ha’atzmaut) it’s worthy asking: why are Israelis so happy?
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4 Tech Tools for Happiness in 2016
The following four tech tools have given a big boost to my search for happiness. Hopefully some of them can also help you in 2016. Please note: I am not affiliated with these products and I’m not receiving any money or benefits to promote them.
Best Hanukkah (Chanuka) Blogs
Below are the best Hanukkah (Chanuka) blogs from Seeking Simcha. I hope these favorites brighten your holiday and inspire you!
Jonathan Pollard and the Happiness of Freedom
Imagine how Jonathan Pollard felt this Shabbat, leaving jail after a 30-year prison term! How many times during those three long decades did he dream about being a free man: taking a long walk on a beach, meeting a friend in a coffee shop, embarking on a trip with his wife, taking a luxurious bath, praying in a beit knesset?
Continue reading Jonathan Pollard and the Happiness of Freedom