The Joy of Purim and the Secret of Jewish Happiness

A Jew must always live with joy. The proof comes from the words of our Sages in Tractate Ta’anit (29a): “When the month of Av begins, we diminish joy… Just as when Av begins we reduce joy, so too when Adar begins we increase joy.”

Even during the month of Av, when the Holy Temple was destroyed twice, four hundred and ninety years apart, tragedies that became the root of many later sufferings, our Sages instructed us only to reduce joy, not to eliminate it completely. By contrast, during the month of Adar we are commanded to increase joy.

From here we learn that a Jew must always remain in a state of joy, and this is a great mitzvah. However, this does not refer to reckless behavior or excess, which are serious transgressions. Even psychologists note that exaggerated displays of mood can sometimes indicate an inner opposite state. The same caution applies to exaggerated displays of “joy” or excessive drinking.

The Great Joy of Purim

The happiest days of the Jewish year are the days of Purim. After the destruction of the First Temple, while the Jewish people lived in exile under Achashverosh, king of Persia and Media — who ruled from India to Cush over one hundred and twenty-seven provinces, a great enemy arose: Haman the Agagite, whose goal was to annihilate the Jewish people in a single day.

The danger was real and immediate. Under the leadership of Mordechai and Queen Esther, the Jews repented and fasted for three consecutive days. Then the great miracle occurred, “and it was turned upside down.” The decree fell upon the enemy himself, and he and his followers were destroyed.

Because these days were transformed from sorrow into joy, the sages of that generation established the mitzvot of Purim:

• Reading the Megillah at night and during the day

• A festive meal with wine

• Mishloach manot, giving food gifts to friends

• Matanot la’evyonim, gifts to at least two poor individuals

Whoever gives generously is praiseworthy.

Yom Kippur and the Greater Joy of Purim

Another deeply joyful day is Yom Kippur, whose joy comes from the forgiveness of sins. Imagine a person sentenced to death because of heavy debts who, at the last moment, cries out with sincere repentance and is immediately pardoned by the king. How great would that joy be — not only spared from death, but freed from all debts.

Yet our sages teach that despite the greatness of Yom Kippur, the joy of Purim is even greater. The proof lies in the name “Yom HaKippurim,” which can be read as “a day like Purim.” When something lesser is compared to something greater, it shows the greater item is the standard, meaning that Purim holds an even higher level of joy.

The Message of Pesach and Jewish Survival

As Pesach approaches, the Jewish people proclaim in the Haggadah: “In every generation they rise against us to destroy us, and the Holy One saves us from their hand.” Our uniqueness among the nations comes from Torah study and mitzvah observance. Without them, what distinguishes us?

Throughout history, those who followed the path of Amalek — seeking to harm the Jewish people or detach them from Torah, have ultimately disappeared, as it says: “They have bowed and fallen, but we have risen and stand upright.”

Truth and Falsehood in the World

The holy Zohar recounts that a Roman governor once challenged Rabbi Elazar: If truth endures forever, why do those you call false appear to rule while you remain in exile? Rabbi Elazar explained that the verse speaks of the future. Truth “shall be established” when redemption arrives. For now, we live in a fleeting moment in which falsehood appears dominant. Hearing this, the governor was deeply moved and converted.

This story shows that the spiritual state of Israel affects how the nations perceive it. When the Jewish people sanctify themselves through Torah and mitzvot, the nations naturally recognize and respect them. But when Israel fails to uphold its spiritual identity, the nations do not honor it and suffering increases.

The Call for Redemption

“Who will bring salvation to Israel from Zion? When Hashem restores His people, Yaakov will rejoice and Israel will be glad.” The end of exile and the joy of the final redemption depend on repentance and renewed commitment to Torah and mitzvot.

The prophet Yeshayahu calls out: “Awaken, awaken, rise up, Jerusalem… Clothe yourself with strength, O Zion; put on your garments of splendor.”