Category — Simchat Torah

Joey comes on time for his nine o’clock appointment with the psychiatrist.
“I’m depressed,” says Joey, “and I need you to help me get out of it. I’m practically suicidal!”
The doctor thinks for a moment, and then an idea pops into his head: “Hey, why don’t you approach the clown who stands at the corner of the street – you know – the guy who makes everyone laugh hysterically? I’m sure he could give you some tips on happiness.”
The patient rises from his seat, picks up his bags and prepares to leave.
“Where are you going? You’re in middle of a session!” the specialist protests.
Without breaking his stride, Joey throws a pitying look at the Yale-certified PhD and responds, “I am that clown!”
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At the end of this week, the world will experience Simchat Torah. The week-long Yom Tov of Succot is called “Zman Simchateinu,” Festival of Rejoicing, but the joyous climax will be reached on that 9 th day. We will rejoice, raise the Torah high, and wish each other L’chaim. The various walls separating one Jew from another will be torn down as we all hold hands together and thank G–d for his 3300-year-old present. What is joy?
* * *
Rejoice! Dance! Be happy! These are all nice slogans, easy to say and to preach, yet hard to bring to practicality.
Some will say that it’s not all that difficult; all you need is some (illegal) cash which you can spend on some non-prescription drugs, wait a few moments and you are the happiest man alive.
And, continues the theory, we don’t even have to descend to the underworld to find happy people; just look at Hollywood! All those actors and actresses whose names are mentioned by millions daily with awe and respect, with their images plastered all over the billboards, and money for ten lifetimes – they are definitely happy!
Last but not least, what about the politicians? They must be happy; after all, aren’t they flashing beautiful smiles all day long…?
The truth is, as everyone really knows, the above individuals, and other so-called “celebrities” hardly pass for happy people. Often, their family lives are shaky, friendships are flimsy and false, and the self-confidence they exude belies jealousy of others and their need to assert themselves amongst everyone else. The fame and popularity of such “stars” is only temporary, theirs to bask in until some other “wonder child” will take their place.
Many such people might experience pleasure; some of them might even have satisfaction. Yet that is not the definition of happiness.
Happiness is not what you have, what you own or what people think about you. More money doesn’t necessarily lead to a happier life; often, the opposite is true. The clown bringing a smile to everyone’s face is doing a job like any other – he is acting, not reflecting.
To be happy is to acquire a proper, positive focus in life. Instead of looking at the half- empty cup, appreciate the cup that is half- full. Instead of counting the hardships and struggles, start counting the blessings and accomplishments. Rather than thinking about what you need, start meditating on what you are needed for.
Some things to think about: How lucky we are to be the children of Hashem, and to have the possibility of connecting with him through Torah and Mitzvot! How lucky we are to have a life filled with purpose and direction! And how blessed are we to be connected to the greatest Jewish leader who cares, gives, directs and nurtures each and every Jew!
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So on Simchat Torah, when you’ll dance and rejoice, it’s not about how much you learnt, how much you know, or how prestigious of a scholar you are; the joy will not depend on your mood or how important you feel. Rather, all Jews will celebrate the focus that is our happiness in life: the infinite connection we all share with the Torah, each other, and G-d.
Happiness is but a matter of perspective, but what happiness can do for man, nothing in this world could accomplish. “Cause with Simcha we will leave this exile!”