In the book "Happiest Man on Earth", Eddi Jaku who lived through the horrors of Buchenwald and Auschwitz, writes "I promised when I came out of the darkest hours of my life that I would be happy for the rest of my life and smile, because if you smile, the world smiles with you".
He also wrote "Happiness is the only thing in the world that doubles each time you share it".
Happiness & Joy are a crucial part of life and are emphasized tremendously in Jewish teachings, including in verses in the Torah, Talmudic teachings and especially emphasized in Chassidic teachings.
"Joy breaks all barriers." - Source Fourth Chabad Rebbe, Rabbi Sholom DovBer
"Think good, and it will be good." - Source Tzemach Tzedek
"Serve God with joy" - Book of Psalms
“G‑d is your shadow at your right hand,” are words from the Book of Psalms. The Baal Shem Tov explained that just as shadows mimic our actions, G‑d reciprocates our actions measure for measure, including with when we feel joy, G‑d gives us more joy.
This Shabbat we are blessing the month of Adar, a joyous and happy month and one in which we seek to increase in joy.
Joy is only one part of happiness, and obviously there are multiple levels, but seeking to connect with the blessings and gratitude of life and celebrating all the good, along with a healthy dose of humility, are excellent ingredients to help frame our mindset with some joy.
Sharing this joy and positivity with others around us, is something that helps break down barriers and overcome challenges.
It doesn't mean that there are no issues, pain and negativity in our world, but finding a way to focus on blessings and increasing happiness in the world around us, is also a good to way to lift up the spirits and increase the blessings for so many that come with positivity.
Shabbat Shalom & Happy Month of Adar
Yisroel