In this week's Torah portion of Vayigash, Joseph tells his brothers "Do not be upset". He is referring to the fact that they sold him as slaves. Naturally, they would be distraught having realised the pain anguish they put their own flesh and blood through.
But this isn't just Joseph speaking to his brothers - This is the Torah speaking to us.
The great Chassidic master; R' Aharon of Karlin explains that happiness isn't a commandment; one of the 613 mitzvot.
Rather, happiness is ALL of the 613 commandments.
By being happy, we are able to able to make sure our service of God is whole-hearted and genuine.
The story is told of a holy man who whilst learning all night long in the study hall realised an old man had suddenly appeared next to him. He ran out of the room as quickly as he could and went home. When asked the following day by his friends why he didn't stay; for perhaps the old man was none other than Elijah the Prophet, who on occasions visits devout Jews? The Rabbi answered: "It couldn't be. Elijah the prophet has a constant aura of happiness. The man in the study hall had an aura of doom and gloom. Therefore I know it was something bad so I needed to flee."
And thus, the reciprocal is also true. Depression is not a sin, but it transgresses everything at once!
We have to remember though, that happiness is not a physical condition. It doesn't depend on physical or material possessions or pleasures.
It is a state of mind. We have to appreciate what we do have. What we can do.
Happiness is positive. It is what we are. What we do. What we can do.
The opposite is negative. What we are not. What we do not or can not do.
The Mishnah in the Tractate of "Ethics of the Fathers" explains that "Who is Rich? He who is happy with what he has!"
May we all merit to be rich in the fullest sense. To appreciate what we have in life. To appreciate that however low we may feel, we always have something to be grateful for.
Wishing you all much happiness and a Shabbat Shalom.
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