Moods and Jewish Music - Joy

Joy comes from resolution. An old Jewish proverb says, " There is no joy like that when doubts are resolved." So when something we've been anticipating, working hard for or something that has been bothering us is successfully resolved, that creates joy. Certainly, a healthy birth, or a long awaited marriage are the most joyous of occassions, because they are the greatest resolutions.

It follows, that we can achieve greater joy by striving to resolve the things in our lives that need resolution. This is the meaning of the commandment to be joyous - to resolve those things that we can, namely, our inner conflicts and questions. The ultimate joy will come when the world succeeds in resolving all of its conflicts, hatreds, battles. " Then shall be our mouths filled with laughter," says the Psalmist.

" Ivdu et Hashem B'simcha, bo'u l'fonov bir'nana   = Serve God with Joy, come before Him with song."

The greatest joy is to be at peace with oneself, and so said Hillel the Elder, " If I (the true me) am here, then everything is here."

Recommended listening: Songs by Shlomo Carlebach, Beethoven's 9th symphony, " Happiness," from " You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown."

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