Joy—Simcha

January 20, 2009

by: Ron Ross, BFP Israel mosaic Radio Host

Other Hebrew words, sason, hedwah, gil, and ninnah, also express the feeling of gladness and joy. In fact, it is said no language possesses so many words for joy as Hebrew, an indication of the cheerful disposition of the Jewish people. Images from Fiddler on the Roof come to mind.

Hebrew writers often describe the joy of the soul in relationship with creation. “For you shall go out with joy, and be led out with peace; the mountains and the hills shall break forth into singing before you, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands”(Isa. 55:12). The Jewish Encyclopedia points out that joy is linked with heaven and earth, mountains and valleys, fields and trees. “The wilderness and the wasteland shall be glad for them, and the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose; it shall blossom abundantly and rejoice, even with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the excellence of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the LORD, the excellency of our God” (Isa. 35:1–2).

Simcha is a fundamental command for faith.It is contrasted with paganism and sensual pleasures. “Do not rejoice, O Israel, with joy like other peoples…” (Hos. 9:1a). Here holiness, or being “set apart,” comes to mind. Joy is not found in worldliness but having a triumphant God-connection. A simcha expression of joy or happiness flows out of a central focus on God. From that determined connection, optimism is maintained even when circumstances are less than uplifting.“Cheerfulness is the key-note of the Jew’s character in his domestic life and in his religious devotion, because it is founded upon optimism, upon faith in God, and upon hope in the final triumph of justice and truth,” is an explanation from The Jewish Encyclopedia.

Times of Rejoicing

Simcha is also the title for a celebratory party. This is a festive occasion that follows a wedding, a brit milah (the covenant of circumcision), and a Bar or Bat Mitzvah (Bar when 13 year-old boys come of age―Bat when 12 year-old girls come of age). The “Jewish Quarter Jerusalem” Web site states,“There is no wailing at our wall when the Western Wall prayer area is full of families celebrating a Bar-Mitzvah!”

Rabbinical teachers draw fromthe joy and happiness of a wedding to illustrate the glow of simcha. Judith Lash Balint wrote: “At a Jewish wedding the guests are mandated to do whatever they can to make the couple joyful. Dancing, singing, donning silly hats and performing shtick [humorous gimmick, habit, or talent], whatever it takes to increase the happiness of the newlyweds. But sometimes it’s the other way around―the pure, unadulterated joy of the couple radiates out and infects everyone present with its brilliance.”

Simchat Torah is a time set apart to celebrate “the joy of Torah.” (The Torah refers to the books of Genesis through Deuteronomy.) The joyous holiday is on the 23^rd of Tishrei (Sept.–Oct.) and marks the completion of the reading of the Torah. That reading is observed over a year as specific portions (Parashah) of the Torah are read each week. On Simchat Torah, the people gather in their synagogue for the reading of the final verses of Deuteronomy and then onto the first verses of Genesis.

Before the final readings, the congregants, led by their rabbi, enter into a time of singing and dancing, carrying their Torah scrolls. Many will “kiss” the scrolls by gently touching the Torah cover with their prayer book or prayer shawl and then kissing the same with their lips. Their parade spills out onto the street in an unashamed expression of happiness, joy, and appreciation. Many Christian observers are humbled by this Jewish public display of love and affection for the Word.

I was stunned when I first observed the celebrations of Purim in Jerusalem. This amazing celebration falls in the Jewish month of Adar (March–April) each year, when the people read the Book of Esther, loudly boo Haman, and rejoice over the heroism of Mordecai and Esther. Haman longed to “wipe Israel off the map,” an ambition which continues to this day. His evil plan was thwarted and Israel still rejoices.

Menachim Levison said, “Now simcha and miracles have something in common—both shatter barriers. When a person is in a state of joy, he is capable of achieving more than when he is depressed.” Joy is a prolific word even throughout the Christian Scriptures. Its very foundation is found by faith in the Word and not in worldly values at all.

 

Photo Credit: Photos: www.israelimages.com