From Our Sages - Joy in the Service of Hashem

"Because you did not serve the L-rd, your G-d, with happiness and with gladness of heart..." (Deuteronomy 28:27)

The Torah did not publicize the sins that would bring the curses of the rebuke. The one transgression that the Torah does mention is: "Because you did not serve the L-rd your G-d with happiness."

(Rabbi Bunim of Peshischa)

A Biblical Mitzvah

The joy that comes to a person through recognizing the good and the positive in everything is considered by Chassidim to be a mitzvah from the Torah.

(additions to Keter Shem Tov)

Serving with Joy

When we work for someone we love and feel close to, the work is done with joy. This is what is meant by the verse con- cerning the curses: "Because you did not serve the L-rd, your G-d, with happiness and with gladness of heart." The very fact that a person works without joy indicates that the worker feels he is doing his work for someone who is distant from him.

(Rabbi Chaim of Volozhin)

Seeking with Joy

It is human nature that when a person searches for something he has lost, he is distressed, and he becomes happy only when he finds the lost object. But regard- ing those who serve Hashem, it says: "May the heart of those who seek the L-rd rejoice." (I Chronicles 16:10). They remain in a state of joy even while they are searching for Him.

(Rabbi Bunim of Peshischa)

This issue of Living Jewish is dedicated in honor of the yahrzeit of Yosef Dovid ben Menachem Shalom Chaim Zeev (Halbfinger), a"h, by his children. He is fondly remembered as "Dr. Yosef", the author of the advice column in Living Jewish "Ask Dr. Yosef" for many years. May his neshama have an aliyah.