HAPPINESS IS ITS OWN REWARD

Non-Jewish readers are perhaps not aware of the fact that Jews – believers and non-believers alike – are nearing the end of a three-week intensive period of Festivals. They began with the Jewish New Year and since then have run almost the whole gamut of human emotions –introspection, repentance, grief, etc. We have now reached the last festival called Succot which lasts eight days.  It is the only Jewish Festival in which we are commanded to be “happy”. In our prayers, we call it simply “the season of our rejoicing.”

Another factor in which this commandment differs from others is the fact that the Torah (Pentateuch) does not elicit any reason. Happiness which is unconditional.  Happiness for the simple fact that we are alive. Another day in which we are given the chance to learn and to develop. 

A grateful person is a happier one. To give thanks for everything we have, since nothing should be taken for granted: not family, not children, not parents, not friends and certainly not life.

There is no need to explain the importance of happiness on one’s health. Even if an illness does not break out because of an absence of happiness, there is no doubt that happiness plays a central role in healing.

There is a mental aspect to every physical disease. We know, for example, that one’s mental condition has an enormous influence on strengthening the immune system. Many illnesses have a psychosomatic root cause. The term psychosomatic disorder is mainly used to mean a physical disease that is thought to be caused - or made worse - by mental factors such as stress, anxiety and depression.

On what button do we press in order to be happy?

On Succot itself, it is customary to drink a small glass of wine on all eight days. Several scientific researches  have found that incidences of depression are considerably  lessened when a small glass of wine is a permanent part of one’s eating habits.

Another form of activity that can boost our degree of happiness is movement, particularly dancing. In general, physical activity is connected very strongly to lessening cases of depression and stress.

One of Sukkot’s most joyous observances was known as  “the Celebration of the Water-Drawing”. When the Holy Temple stood, every sacrifice included water libations poured over the altar in a special ceremony. This ritual engendered such joy that it was celebrated with music, dancing and singing all night long. Singing is another mood enhancing activity – especially singing with others.

Happiness is not dependent on external factors of life but on the interpretation we give to them. The way we choose to interpret life’s circumstances is solely in our own hands.

The essence of Judaism is perhaps contained in a tractate called “the Ethics of the Fathers” which presents us with the major principles of ethics to guide us in life. The query “Who is rich?” is answered by: “He who is happy with his lot.”