The Mitzvah of Simchah

Simchah shel Mitzvah—The Joy of Doing a Mitzvah

The concept of simchah shel mitzvah is a very important one; the Arizal asserted that his tremendous spiritual accomplishments and insights were the result of exceptional simchah shel mitzvah. The Torah tells us that Yidden will be punished, “Tachas asher lo avad’ta es Hashem Elokecha b’simchah uv’tuv leivav mei’rov kol” (Because you didn’t serve Hashem your G-d when you had an abundance of all good things in life and you were happy), and the Rambam and the Arizal interpret this verse to mean that we should serve Hashem with palpable joy.

One way of arousing a sense of joy when doing a mitzvah is to contemplate how great a zechus (merit and privilege) it is for us that Hashem has chosen us for this task. Moreover, the knowledge that we are creating a dirah b’tachtonim, causing Hashem to dwell in this world, is surely cause for rejoicing (in simpler terms, it’s the excitement at the prospect of hosting such a special Guest).

Interestingly, the Rama concludes the Orach Chaim section of the Shulchan Aruch with the words “V’tov lev mishteh tamid” (He who has a cheerful heart always has a feast). The context for this statement is a halachic dispute about whether there’s a mitzvah of simchah on Purim Katan (the 14th of Adar I, which occurs only during a leap year); the Rama’s message is that, regardless, it’s always important to be in a state of simchah shel mitzvah. Furthermore, the implication is that we are to be b’simchah even when we are not in the midst of performing any particular mitzvah. #535?1

 

https://halacha2go.com?number=535

Practical Halacha: One minute a day. By Horav Yosef Yeshaya Braun, shlita, Mara D'asra and member of the Badatz of Crown Heights.