Martin H. van den Bergh

Despite Israel’s ongoing challenges, it is ranked the eighth happiest country in the world. This reflects a central truth of Judaism: joy is essential. Wherever we are in Israel, we can sense the happiness that shapes daily life here. This does not mean we no longer face the dangers and difficulties posed by our enemies; rather, it means we deeply value the privilege of living in Israel, the world’s only Jewish state, surrounded by our long history.

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The Torah also warns us about failing to serve God with joy: “Because you did not serve the Lord your G-d with joy and a happy heart” (Devarim 28:47). Rabbi Natan Slifkin teaches that Jacob’s joy came from the effort he invested in achieving his goals, in contrast to Esau, who sought blessings without effort. Jacob struggled for everything he attained; for example, he worked for years in order to marry Rachel. His satisfaction came from the work he devoted to what mattered. Esau, by contrast, avoided effort whenever possible. According to Midrash Rabbah (Bereshit 65:1, 13), he even stole other people’s property and wives. Esau looked for happiness through shortcuts and quick fixes, while Jacob earned what he had and was therefore content, without needing to seek pleasure in what belonged to others.

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The Torah offers us a way of life through which we can attain deep and lasting joy. Perhaps the greatest example is Shabbat. From the beauty of the Friday night service that welcomes Shabbat to Havdalah, Shabbat is filled with joy. Yet that joy does not simply happen on its own; we must prepare for Shabbat and make it special. Through that preparation, Shabbat becomes a true day of joy—and here in Israel, that joy can be felt especially strongly.