The Chassidic Approach To Joy

When we are b’simchah, in both a physical and spiritual way, we bring joy to ourselves, our families, and all the people around us.

Bitochon is not euphoric escapism; it does not absolve an individual of taking responsibility for his future, and acting accordingly. It means that as a person acts, he realizes that his efforts are dependent on G-d’s providence, and he relies on G-d and trusts Him totally.

When a person is happy, he stands above all his personal limitations and weaknesses. He can do things that he ordinarily could not do. He can forgive his worst enemy. His joy generates inner energy that breaks through and shatters any barrier that stands in his way.

Joy is important, not only as the antithesis of depression, but as a fundamental element of our Divine service in its own right.

Bittul, the opposite of yeshus, means nullifying the self. But it does not mean crushing one’s personality; it means dedicating oneself to a higher purpose than self, and constantly striving to achieve that purpose. When a person is buttel, he functions without being aware of himself.

Although we have taken our hands off the wheel, we have not stopped thinking about the direction of the flight. It is just that Someone else is doing the steering. And taking our hands off the wheel is not a proper analogy, because in actual life, our hands are on the wheel; we must take responsibility for our lives.

The Rambam clearly spells out this concept, writing:49 The happiness with which a person should rejoice in the fulfillment of the mitzvos and the love of G-d... is a great service.... There is no greatness or honor other than celebrating before G-d.

there is a type of joy that destroys a person, and there is a type of joy that makes a person even stronger than he was before.

there are two ways of functioning. One way is to focus on what I am doing; the task in front of me. And the other is to focus on the fact that I am doing it, to see myself more than the task I have to perform.