Community Magazine March 2009

18 Community magazine RABBI ELI MANSOUR R abbi Shimon Schwab (1908-1993) explained the role of joy in Jewish thought by comparing it to a pilot light in a stove. The flame remains lit constantly, and it is raised or lowered as needed. Similarly, Judaism requires that we be happy, at all times, under all circumstances. However, some times the “flame” is raised, whereas during other periods we lower it. When the month of Adar sets in, we raise the “flame” and rejoice with extra intensity and fervor, while in Av, the month of tragedy and mourning, we lower the “flame” and do not outwardly express any feelings of joy. What is clear, however, is that this “flame” must always burn. Our Sages speak of “increasing” and “dimin- ishing” our joy – obviously assuming that we must always feel a degree of happiness. The centrality and importance of happiness in Jewish life emerg- es from a frightening verse in the Book of Devarim (28:47). In listing the devastating punishments that Gd warns will befall Bene Yisrael for neglecting His commands, the Torah explains that this will occur “because you did not serve Hashem your Gd with joy.” The Torah refers to a generation that indeed observes the missvot – but begrudgingly, not with happiness. It is this generation that will endure the dreadful suffering described in that section of Devarim – all because they were not happy! The Endless Pursuit This then raises a very basic question: how does one achieve happiness? If the Torah demands happiness, then obviously this is some- thing that we can control. We cannot blame our moods and tem- peraments on the unavoidable circumstances of life. Once the Torah commands us to be happy, we must assume that it is within our ability to comply. But how is this done? The Declaration of Independence speaks of the “pursuit of hap- piness” as one of a human being’s inalienable rights. This expres- Dedicated in memory of Mrs. Rae Semah v"g vv   RABBI ELI MANSOUR “When Adar arrives, we increase our joy. ” Happiness The Pursuit of 