The Importance of Joy in Jewish Practice

States: Ivdu es Hashem b’simchah — “You should serve G-d with joy.” And the Talmud states that Ein haShechinah shoreh ela mitoch simchah — “G-d’s presence will only dwell upon a person when he is in a state of joy.” As such, a prophet, for example, was not able to receive prophecy unless he was in a state of joy. If he were morose or depressed, G-d’s presence would not dwell upon him.

One of the most important aspects of the Shalosh Regalim — the three main Jewish holidays of Pesach, Shavuos and Sukkos — is to be in a state of joy.

There are even certain Torah laws connected to expressing and stimulating joy, and

7. Psalm 100:2. 8. Shabbos 30b. See also Tanya, ch. 31.

9. See Chagigah 6a.