By Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D.
EL CAJON, California — I’ve long held that happiness is an inside job. It’s not dependent on what you have, or don’t have, it rests largely on what you think. Rav Mordechai Gifter, zt”l, of the Rosh Yeshiva of Telz Yeshiva in Cleveland, offered a penetrating insight into human nature, “Happiness is not something that happens to us. Happiness is our choice.”
This week’s Torah teaching, in parsha Ki Tavo, brings the concept of simcha (joy or happiness) as a dual commandment, encompassing both positive and negative aspects. Being happy is mentioned three times in our reading. In the parsha we find the Children of Israel are warned of consequences not just for disobedience, but for serving Hashem without joy. This teaches us that spiritual fulfillment isn’t merely about following rules but embracing them with a glad heart.
Maimonides, for example, writes: “The joy experienced in the performance of a commandment and the love of Hashem Who commanded them is of itself a great commandment, and anyone who deprives himself of this joy is punishable, as it is said, ‘Because you did not serve the Lord your God with joy.’”
The Sforno, Ovadia ben Jacob, (1475-1550) teaches, “In adhering to G-d’s covenant, Israel would achieve its natural and spiritual purpose.” The “secret of success,” of “happiness,” may well be found and summed up simply in the parsha, (26:11) “Then, you shall rejoice with all the good that the L-rd, your G-d, has granted you and your household you, the Levite, and the stranger who is among you.” We shall…it seems that happiness, success, is a commandment! He tells us to focus on what we have, not on what we don’t have or haven’t accomplished. In fact, authentic joy, hakarat hatov, gratitude, the parsha tells us, is a foundation to our ability to succeed.
The “happiness and gladness of heart” mentioned in this week’s parsha isn’t a passive state to be received, but an active choice we make. It’s within our power to cultivate these emotions, independent of external circumstances. This is a journey of inner exploration, a quest to tap into your intrinsic well-being. Who among us can do this? Psalm 34 asks, “Who is the person who desires life and loves days, that they may see good therein?” It’s the person who desires life and finds love in each day. Perhaps the task inside of this week’s Torah reading is to find growth in every experience, to recognize the potential for learning and benefit in all that life presents.
‘Ki Tavo,’ meaning ‘When you enter,’ invites us to welcome this journey from the very beginning of each day. The parsha teaches us the value of desiring life, cherishing our moments, and finding joy in the good that surrounds us, even amidst challenges, and we’re reminded that happiness is a shared experience, a gift to be celebrated by all.
The path to inner joy in one’s spiritual life is a profound and transformative process. It involves cultivating a deep awareness of two fundamental truths about our life:
First, we are wise to develop a sense of awe and reverence for the sacred practices and teachings, the mitzvot, that serve as conduits to our connecting to Hashem, particularly at this time of the year. Whether through meditation, prayer, or acts of kindness, each spiritual practice is a precious gift. By fully appreciating the miracle of this connection, we unlock a wellspring of joy within ourselves.
Second, we wisely take steps to awaken to our internal connection to Hashem that resides within our very essence. Our souls are not separate from Him, but are rather expressions of it, temporarily housed in physical form. Even when we feel disconnected or burdened by worldly concerns, this inner light remains pure and untarnished. Recognizing this inherent divinity within ourselves is a powerful source of joy and self-compassion.
True spiritual fulfillment arises when we deeply, genuinely, authentically, integrate these two insights into our being. Not for show, but for true growth. As we align our conscious awareness with these profound truths, we naturally experience a sense of joy, purpose, and connection in our spiritual practice. This joy is not fleeting or dependent on external circumstances, but rather a steady current of inner peace and contentment that flows from our alignment with the greater cosmic order.
By cultivating this perspective, we transform our spiritual journey from one of obligation or struggle into a celebration of our true nature and our intimate connection with Hashem.
This is the time of the year when we reflect, when we turn inward, review our past year’s successes and disillusionments, with the purpose of looking forward to a better year…in other words, gezunt, hatzlacha and parnassa.
May we be granted the merit in the coming year to live up to our obligations and His covenant and see the success we all pray for with the coming of Moshiach and be blessed with healthy bodies, minds and souls.
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Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D., prepares a weekly D’var Torah for Young Israel of San Diego, where he and his family are members. They are also active members of Congregation Adat Yeshurun.