Fear of Joy

Happiness is seeing other Jews happy! Reply

Seems like we sometimes feel joy when we do things (mitzvot, etc.) which coincides with what G-d wants, like helping others, etc. And trying to be in the same mindset as G-d (though impossible, I know). What may be fearful is not understanding what G-d wants, or "getting off course" once we do come across a bit of understanding... so studying Torah, praying, and trying to put it into practice helps me, personally. Reply

I am looking for your wisdom every day Tzvi Freeman! Thank you for fulfilling my desire for wisdom. Today was one of those days. This is so true! Just yesterday I did a mitzvah without thinking twice and gave me happiness that I was able to help another human being. This is what happiness is! Reply

fear of joy has to do with I had patients. I am a psychotherapist. These patients were afraid to be too joyful. They knew they'd crash. Life has these inevitable ups and downs. And they had suffered. Intensely. We all do. There are Yiddish warnings about being too joyful about an accomplishment, about a child's beauty, about anything at all. It's a kind of old wives, ancient wisdom, that says, Be Careful! Perhaps there is wisdom in this, but there is a total need for joy, a need for dance. Why else was the universe created, but that we could and would, Dance. And there is a cosmic dance in all life, we give pieces of the greater puzzle to each other, often unconsciously, as if there is a far far Greater Hand in this, a Direction, and Direction has a double meaning. I am saying, this symphony has a conductor.

So yes for joy, but remember emotion, has motion, has energy, and the emotion in what often moves us, is rage, rage at the Light, for cruelty, for unconscionable, creating non profits: tikkun olam. Reply

Fear Ah yes.. Fear! We are told to have fear of God, of heaven. Watch out God will get you...we are told that from youth. Who is telling us that, surely not God! The ten commandments do not say "Do not have Joy" only men tell us that!

People are not afraid of Joy at all. Our natural state is joy but religious doctrine says we must not really go there, unless you are a pagan of course.

Doing...something divinely beautiful is not the only route to happiness. As a matter of fact not doing, not having to live up to others expectations, no requirements to follow a doctrine, no shoulds, just relaxing in the moment will bring true peace. Reply

joy 'Happiness is the truth" I looked up Hebrew words for joy and happiness and there were many. Lots of ways for joy to enter our life? Reply

Fear of Joy A beautiful truth born in the true light of experience
Thank you so much for this important reminder
It is so easy to be reactive and to be lost and locked in self within a void without empathy sharing or caring for others.Seeing only ones reflection through a hall of
mirrors because one has blocked the perception with selfishness .In that place
there is great lack .Nothing is ever enough .Be here now .Empathise with others
One understands in the light of hard earned experience the pain of others.
That is why you are a Great teacher. Reply

Love this! This is so uplifting. Thank you so much for posting it! Reply

The mentsch earns his perennial joy! Rabbi Freeman, never think as much that in any of my many comments might seem to de-emphasize what you daily motivate us with. Your words emanate from the Source, that feed the soul, elevate the spirit, inspire the mind with righteousness, to cleanse our thoughts & flesh. Reply

Joy I know this is the truth because I have experienced the joy of the Lord G-d Almighty..............Just not today! Today...I am going crazy! Reply

When You were born.... Every time I saw my father and this is even as I got older...he told the story of the way I looked when I was born-This was definitely a G-dly experience for him. The way he looked off into the distance after saying it in a very very loving way...I am sure we all have parents who feel they saw G-d or felt his presence when you were born as well!!!! Thanks for reading this. Reply

Fear of Joy I enjoy reading the short inspirations of Rabbi Tzvi Freeman. This meditation reminds me of what the Talmud says: "There is no such a thing as sadness in G-d's presence. Yes, what someone has said: Joy is peace dancing, and PEACE is Joy resting.
Rabbi Freeman, thanks for your insights. They make us think. Reply