Jewish Joy

Sermon on Jewish Joy
May 14, 2004

The last blessing of the Sheva Brachot, the Seven Blessings bestowed upon bride and groom, thanks God for creating Joy and Happiness. God created light to shine into the physical darkness of the world. Joy and Happiness were created to brighten its spiritual and emotional darkness. Joy and Happiness are things whose presence or absence, like light, we notice.

We feel a tangible difference when we enter a house of mourning or one in which there is a new baby. Joyous times bring us something extra, energy and enthusiasm. In a vibrant Jewish community, there are many moments of Sasson V’Simcha, of Joy and Happiness, many times when we sing the Shecheheyanu prayer and thank God for bringing us to this special time in our lives.

Many of these times are experienced in community with others. Beautiful melodies sung at services elevate our spirits and fill our souls with joy. What is joy? The dictionary tells me that it means gladness or pleasure. I do not think that those are complete definitions of the term. I think that joy implies something more than that. Joy, for me, is something achieved only when we are thankful for something. That is how I differentiate between Simcha, happiness, and Sasson, joy.

I must include many events in my family, my marriage, the births of each of my children. The first time they said daddy. The first time I spoke to them on the phone. These are some of my greatest joys.

But what is Jewish Joy?

Some say that Jewish Joy is when someone realizes that the Atkins diet gives them an excuse not to eat Aunt Rita’s rock hard matzah balls. I think that Jewish Joy is something present when Judaism is celebrated in families. For instance, I must include, as times of joy, the first time my daughter Hanna sang the Shema and every night when my daughter Eliana asks me to sing the Shema for her before she goes to bed.

How many Jewish life cycle events are filled with joy?

When I conduct a Bar or Bat Mitzvah ceremony and watch a child who has struggled to learn a Torah portion do it well, there is Jewish Joy, the joy of the child knowing that he or she has done something difficult, risen to the challenge, and of course, there is the joy of the family, kvelling in pride. Some of the best moments at B’nai Mitzvah are when grandparents, for whom Judaism has played a meaningful role in their lives, come forward a present a tallit or pass the Torah to their grandchild. Often they are beaming with joy as they witness their traditions being passed on to the next generation. It is also a matter joy, when the aspirations of loved ones who have passed away are realized by the child. With tears of joy in their eyes, parents say, “Your bubbe would be so proud of you today.”

At a Brit Milah and at a baby naming, the happiness is often overwhelming. Parents, grandparents, family and friends not only rejoice in the coming of a new member of the family, but they recall other times of joy in the family as well. “I remember just how radiant you were at your wedding my dear, you look even more radiant now.” Unless you are in one of those families, and there are many, that could find the dark side of the sun. “You won’t get much sleep now! All those diapers to look forward to. Better start saving for college!” But most Jewish families are happy with babies. There is a heartfelt thankfulness, a swelling of pride, and a profound sense of happiness, especially after the circumcision is over.

Weddings are certainly joyous times, not just because we are happy for the couple and their families, but in the Jewish tradition, we are literally commanded to celebrate with the bride and groom. In more traditional circles, complete strangers attend weddings simply to celebrate.

Perhaps the most powerful ceremonies are conversion ceremonies. People who were born Jewish do not necessarily realize that being Jewish itself could be a joy. Those born Jewish may not understand the yearning to be Jewish, the battles of conscious, and the striving to forge a new identity as a Jew. Many are surprised that the moment when someone who has chosen Judaism realizes that they are a Jew is a very powerful and joyous moment.

Perhaps it is when they utter the words, “I am a Jew.” Perhaps it is when they hold the Torah and recite the Shema before the open ark. For some it is when they receive their Hebrew name. For others, it may not be until they are asked to light the Shabbat candles or lead the Kiddush. When that moment of joy, that moment of happy thankfulness, is reached, it radiates to all of us. Tears of joy fill everyone’s eyes and we understand, if only a bit better, the joy of being a Jew.