Rejoice! Be Glad!
The Hasidic master, Rebbe Nachman of Bratslav, teaches, “Always remember: joy is not merely incidental to your spiritual quest. It is vital.”
This week we read a lengthy list of curses, beginning with what the Torah imagines to be the worst kind of people: “Cursed be the person who misdirects a blind person on his way.— And all the people shall say, Amen. Cursed be the person who subverts the rights of the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow.— And all the people shall say, Amen.” (Deuteronomy 27)
The portion continues with a list of what will befall those who disobey God’s command: “Cursed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl.” And finally, offers a brief list of blessings for those who heed God’s commandments: “Blessed shall you be in the city and blessed shall you be in the country.” (Deuteronomy 28)
The theology is crystal clear. Obey God’s commands and blessings will follow. Disobey God’s mitzvot and you will witness a lengthy, detailed list of curses. It is not a very comforting thought. Many people grow uncomfortable with the Torah’s stark theology.
The tradition appears to recognize this discomfort. When chanting the portion, the Torah reader chants these lengthy curses in a rushed, soft voice. To recite these curses in a loud, commanding voice would be to suggest a confidence in its theology. It would be to affirm something we experience to be false.
Everyone can cite examples of people who follow all the commandments and yet experience far too many calamities and likewise those who appear to subvert the rights of the stranger and appear to enjoy untold blessings. And so, what do we do? We recite these words in hushed tones.
It is almost as if the tradition is instructing us to dwell on the blessings and rush past the curses.
In a year that has offered a lengthy list of curses, how do we teach ourselves to maximize our blessings? How do we learn to minimize our curses?
Another Hasidic master Simhah Bunim of Peshischa responds. He teaches that these detailed punishments are only attached to one specific command, “Because you would not serve the Lord your God in joy and gladness over the abundance of everything.” (Deuteronomy 28) Simhah Bunim hears the Torah shouting, “Rejoice! Be glad!”
Perhaps the rebbes are correct. We need to hone the ability to take in more joy. Even when our blessings appear meager, we must rejoice. Perhaps all it takes is to assume a posture of joy and gladness.
I am beginning to detect how to reorient this cursed year. Quickly, and softly, detail the curses. Slowly, and loudly, enumerate our blessings.
And then let joy and gladness fill your hearts.
Joy is vital to our spiritual quest.