Seven Practices to Cultivate Jewish Joy

Over the course of history, the Jewish community has often faced threats, oppression, and exile. Today, Jewish people in North America - and around the world - are experiencing antisemitism at devastatingly high rates. Though we can’t control the actions of others, we can choose how we react. 

Rabbi Nachman, the charismatic founder of Breslover Hasidism, a sect of Judaism devoted to joyous living, was known for saying, “It’s a great mitzvah to always be happy.” Though it is not possible to always be happy, we can follow the example of many who came before us, wholeheartedly embracing our Jewish identity and leaning into the comfort and strength of community. As a matter of fact, people who have escaped oppression and violence often suggest that the best way to avenge oppression is to live authentic, joyous lives filled with experiences our oppressors tried to take away from us.

In the Book of Proverbs, we read, 

“A righteous person may fall seven times, but still gets up” (24:17).  This is often interpreted to mean that even in the face of continued difficulty, we can – and should – strive to be resilient." 

Request your free copy of “Seven Practices to Cultivate Jewish Joy” and find meaningful ways to live out your Jewish identity.