You know how a good laugh makes you forget about your troubles, even if it is just for a few minutes? That’s what Purim does for me—only the effects last much longer. This joyful celebration centers around the book of Esther and includes nonstop laughter, festive costumes, and lots of noise makers. It is a kid-centered holiday, but oh-so-good for the grown-up soul.
Truthfully, I am still experiencing post-Purim joy even though it was weeks ago, which makes me think that if we could somehow keep those same “feel-good” hormones flowing throughout the year, life would be even better than it already is. After all, joy (Simcha) is vital to our Jewish lives.
So, let’s all make it a point to continue the same spirit of joyful celebration– as much as possible–throughout the year. Here are a few rituals I plan to incorporate.
Laugh More
It may seem overly simple, but adults don’t laugh as much as children. According to Psychology Today, children laugh on average 300 times per day. Meanwhile, adults only laugh an average of 4 times per day, and since laughing has proven health benefits, we should all be getting our giggles on.
What aspects of Purim can we incorporate into the rest of the year? Well, as I said previously. This holiday is child-centered, and the “littles” obviously know how to have a good time. At my synagogue, a man dressed like the evil Haman appears, and all the children get to tackle him and cover him in toilet paper. It’s playful, it’s silly, and it’s an absolute joy to watch.
Therefore, as adults, we should learn a little something from the kids and spend more time acting silly and playful. It takes effort sometimes, but it is possible. Try watching funny movies more often, or watch a cartoon. Tell dad jokes and spend time being silly with the children in your life. Their laughter is contagious!
Spend Time in Your Favorite Community
Next, stay involved. I love my synagogue, but it’s far from my house, and I have mountains of work to get done each day. So, I often fall into the trap of not attending because I have too much to do. But as human beings, we crave community. It’s good for our souls to be involved.
So, as I journey through 5785, I will make it a point to spend more time in my favorite community. After all, community is where humans thrive. A documentary that brilliantly discusses this very topic is called “Happy.” You can find it on multiple streaming services, including Amazon Prime. I highly recommend it.
Lean Into Your Faith
Lastly, I plan to spend more time exploring my Jewish faith. There is always something new to learn. Multiple studies show that religious individuals report experiencing more happiness than those who do not affiliate with a religion.
My faith reminds me that I am never alone. Hashem is always with me. I used to carry the weight of the world on my shoulders. There were countless hours spent worrying about things beyond my control. Now I know I am not alone and that God is laying the groundwork for a beautiful future.
So let’s all giggle like little kids until our sides hurt. Let’s spend time in our communities and immerse ourselves in our faith. Study the Torah, take a class, and attend services; anything that keeps you connected to God.
Thank you so much for reading, my friends. I would love to hear from you. Feel free to leave a comment below or reach out on social media. Shalom and have a wonderful Shabbat!
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