The Mitzvah of Happiness: A Choice in Every Moment

Happiness isn’t just a fleeting emotion or something that happens to us when life is going well, it’s a commandment, a mitzvah. Rebbe Nachman of Breslov famously taught, "It is a great mitzvah to always be happy." This idea, deeply rooted in Jewish wisdom, challenges us to shift our perspective on happiness. It’s not something we passively wait for; it’s an inside job, a choice we can make at any moment.

The article The Joyous Infinite Light from Breslov.org explores the idea that happiness connects us to the Divine, opening us to greater spiritual clarity and light. When we cultivate joy, we align ourselves with holiness and deepen our faith. But what does it mean to choose happiness, especially when life presents challenges?

Happiness and Other Emotions Can Coexist

Choosing happiness doesn’t mean ignoring or suppressing other emotions. Judaism doesn’t ask us to be in denial about pain, sadness, or struggle. The Torah acknowledges grief, anger, and disappointment, our ancestors experienced them, and so do we.

However, the key is learning how to navigate these emotions without becoming stuck in them.

Rebbe Nachman taught that happiness is a spiritual tool, one that elevates us beyond despair.

Even in difficult times, we can cultivate joy through gratitude, prayer, and perspective shifts. It doesn’t mean forcing a smile when we’re hurting but rather finding ways to reconnect to light, even in darkness.

Practical Ways to Choose Happiness

Since happiness is a mitzvah, it requires effort, just like any other mitzvah. Here are some ways to nurture joy in daily life:

1 Gratitude Practice – Focusing on what we have, rather than what we lack, shifts our mindset. Taking a moment to say "thank you" to Hashem for even the simplest blessings can
elevate our mood.

2 Faith and Trust  – Rebbe Nachman emphasized the importance of emunah (faith) in achieving joy. Trusting that Hashem has a plan, even when we don’t understand it, brings comfort and peace.

3 Surrounding Yourself with Positivity – Joy is contagious. Spending time with uplifting people, engaging in meaningful conversations, and listening to inspiring music can shift our energy.

4 Acts of Kindness – Giving to others creates a sense of purpose and fulfillment. A small act of kindness, even a smile, can bring joy to both the giver and receiver.

5 Simcha as a Choice  – When we recognize that happiness is something we can cultivate, we empower ourselves. We can acknowledge life’s difficulties while still holding space for joy.

The Joy of Infinite Light

According to The Joyous Infinite Light, happiness is not just about feeling good—it’s about connecting to something greater than ourselves. Joy removes spiritual barriers and opens us up to divine wisdom. When we choose happiness, we aren’t just improving our own lives; we’re fulfilling a spiritual purpose, spreading light in the world, and drawing closer to Hashem.

Happiness isn’t dependent on external circumstances, it’s a mitzvah, a mindset, and a choice we can make again and again.

So even in the midst of challenges, we can ask ourselves: How can I bring more joy into this moment? The answer may be simpler than we think.