Happiness is a Choice
A young couple living in Czarist Russia in the early 1800s were faced with a significant decision. Life in Russia at the time was no picnic, especially for the Jewish people, due to the many economic and religious restrictions imposed on the Jewish communities in particular. They were considering making Aliya and immigrating to Israel to enjoy an easier life with the liberty to openly practice Torah and Mitzvot and benefit from the spiritually uplifting atmosphere of the Holy Land. Before making the move, they turned to the spiritual leader of that time, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, also known as The Tzemach Tzedek (1789-1866), for his guidance and blessing. The Tzemach Tzedek replied to them, “Make this place Israel”. The directive is applicable far beyond that individual instance.
When faced with a challenge or obstacle, our first reaction may be to evade the issue or shift the blame on others. We may assume that by changing our career or moving to a new place of residence, all of our challenges will automatically dissolve. Perhaps the next vacation, business deal or promotion will bring us the happiness that seems to elude us.
Often, real change begins with ourselves. By changing our perspective to focus on the positive and finding purpose in each moment, we begin to experience true happiness and contentment in our daily lives.
In this week’s Torah portion, Pinchas, we learn about the allocation of the land of Israel among the Jewish people. “You shall apportion the Land among these as an inheritance, in accordance with the number of names. To the large [tribe] you shall give a larger inheritance and to a smaller tribe you shall give a smaller inheritance, each person shall be given an inheritance according to his number. - Numbers 26:53-54
Conquering the land of Canaan by the Jewish people, and its transformation into Israel, a holy land where the connection to G‑dliness, Judaism, and holiness, is apparent, reflects our task in the world at large. The intent of the creation of the world is to transform this physical world into a home for G‑d, i.e., a place where G‑d feels comfortable and reveals Himself completely, as people fully reveal and express themselves in their own homes.
Although having the opportunity to live in Israel is a special privilege and Mitzvah, for those of us living in the Diaspora, our responsibility entails in transforming our surroundings into a mini Israel.
In the Jewish calendar, we have just entered into the period called the Three Weeks. It represents a time of mourning for the Jewish people when we recall the destruction of both of our Temples in Jerusalem over Two Thousand years ago. Although it is a time of reflection and introspection, it is also a time of hope and anticipation to rebuild the Third Temple very soon. Every challenge brings with it opportunities as well. Through the dispersion of the Jewish people around the globe which came about as a result of our Exile, we were given the ability to share with the nations of the world the ideas of Monotheism, kindness, giving, justice and purpose which are expressed in the Torah. Over time, many of these concepts have become embedded in the very fabric of our society.
A principal difference between Exile and Redemption is our perspective. Imagine turning the light on in a previously dark palace giving you the ability to appreciate the skillfully designed architecture and to partake of the delicious delicacies displayed. Moshiach will turn on the “lights” of the world enabling us to appreciate the true beauty and inherent value of all creations. “And nations shall go by your light and kings by the brilliance of your shine.”- Isaiah 60:3
