Joy; Happiness

A collection of received wisdom, contemporary responses and practical advice in short essays, video and animated cartoons.

What is happiness? How does it work? Why is it it so important to our spiritual and physical well-being? Sixteen insights, stories, personal voices, meditations, readings and recordings on joy

For a joyful person, the toughest tasks are a cinch, the strongest adversaries easily vanquished...

People are afraid of joy. They are afraid they'll get out of hand and lose control. These people haven't experienced real joy -- the joy that comes from doing something G-dly and beautiful with all your heart. The fact is, there is nothing that will lift ...

Simchah (joy) is a bulldozer that can break through barriers, but depression can lead to apathetic paralysis. In the chassidic way of life, “Serve G-d with joy” is not just an adage but the living agenda of a chassid. Just imagine two wrestlers fighting ...

When I look at myself and my life I see plenty of reasons to be miserable. Am I supposed to be able to just switch on happiness at will?

Are you really happy, or just resigned to your lot? I'd love to meet the person who'd honestly say, "My fantasy life? I'm living it! I can't imagine a thing I'd want to change!"

From the very inception of chassidism, in fact, perpetual joy was one of the primary distinguishing characteristics of the chassid.

We may be somewhat surprised to discover that not only is there no conflict between the two, but in truth happiness and humility make a marvelous pair.

Rabbi Yisrael Baal Shem Tov entered a chilled, dreary world and set it afire. He taught that even the simplest soul can bond to the Infinite Creator with love and joy . . .