Making sense of the sedra: Ki Tavo
A lack of joy can disconnect us from God
Parshat Ki Tavo contains dramatic blessings and curses, which delineate the rewards for following Hashem’s commandments and the consequences for straying from his path. Amid these powerful sections, a seemingly subtle but critical verse reveals a key insight into the centrality of happiness in Jewish life.
The verse states: “Because you did not serve Hashem your God with joy and a good heart, out of the abundance of everything” (Devarim 28:47). This brief mention of joy is foundational in understanding the broader significance of happiness in Jewish thought and spiritual practice.
Joy is not merely an outcome of material wealth or success, but rather a reflection of spiritual fulfilment. The Torah’s admonition that people did not serve Hashem with joy “out of the abundance of everything” means even in times of prosperity, one can lack joy if they fail to connect deeply with their purpose, in other words, ‘Affluenza’.
Judaism teaches that true happiness comes from living a life of meaning, purpose, and responsibility. Mitzvot serve as a framework for building such a life, guiding individuals to infuse their daily actions with intention and holiness. The joy that comes from fulfilling mitzvot is not just personal happiness; it is an acknowledgment that one is part of a larger Divine plan. This sense of connection to something greater than oneself is a critical component of Jewish happiness. In fact, Rabbi Shimshon Refael Hirsch connect the word simcha (joy) with the similar sounding word, tzmicha (growth), explaining that true joy comes from personal growth.
The Jewish calendar is filled with moments designed to cultivate joy, from Shabbat, which is referred to by the Prophet Isaiah as “a day of delight,” to the upcoming Yamim Tovim, where we have a specific mitzvah to be happy. These occasions are not only moments to celebrate, but also opportunities to practice the art of being joyful, to connect with God, and to express gratitude for the abundance in one’s life.
In Jewish thought, happiness is therefore not just an emotion; it is a spiritual tool. The Baal Shem Tov taught that the Almighty has sent us into this world on an appointed mission. It is his will that we accomplish that mission in a state of joy. Sadness implies an unwillingness to carry out his will. This idea is emphasised by the great Baalei Mussar (ethicists) who say that a truly happy person does not allow their happiness to be dependent on any external factor over which they may not have control.
The lack of joy is a spiritual deficiency that can lead to a sense of disconnection and distance from God. Conversely, joy has the power to bring a person closer to their creator, to elevate the mundane into the holy, and to transform a life of routine into one of deep spiritual fulfilment.
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