What is happiness in Hebrew?
Sameach b’chelko is never explicitly mentioned in the Torah. However, it’s a Jewish value reflected in various verses and discusses the importance of accepting one’s fate and finding joy in G-d’s plan for you.
The word “sameach” comes from the Hebrew root word “sin-mem-chet” and means “happiness,” “joy,” or “contentment.” The word “chelko” is based on the root “chet-lamed-kut” and translates to “portion,” “lot,” or “piece.” Therefore, the phrase “sameach b’chelko” means “contentment with one’s lot” or “contentment with one’s portion.”
Being content with one’s lot is an age-old Jewish theme that has sparked numerous debates and discussions amongst some of our greatest scholars.
For instance, the Book of Proverbs says, “A joyful heart makes a cheerful face; a sad heart makes a despondent mood. All the days of a poor person are wretched, but contentment is a feast without end” (Proverbs 15:13 and 15).
It’s incredibly wise and timeless advice to be genuinely joyful with one’s lot in life. But how do you adopt it? How can you recognize your fortune without comparing it to what others have?
The approach may be easier than you think.
Begin Each Day With Gratitude
Begin each day with gratitude. Sure, it’s easy to say that, but how do you adopt this practice?
Reciting the Jewish morning prayer “Modeh Ani” when you wake up sets a positive tone for the day and encourages anavah or humility, mindfulness, and appreciation. The prayer essentially thanks God for giving us another day. Instead of focusing on what happened yesterday, you wake up grateful, and your first thought is about showing gratitude.
Happiness in Hebrew is staying in the present moment
Observing mindfulness and being present is an integral part of happiness in Hebrew. Rather than focusing on what’s missing or what needs to be done, look at the present moment and appreciate all that is going well in your life. Mindfulness is training our brain to pay attention intentionally, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally.
For instance, on Friday afternoon, as you prepare to welcome the holy day of Shabbos, you can light the candles and recite the berachot or blessings mindfully, focusing on the holiness of the day, the candles, and the sanctity of the weekly gift you’re about to receive. Other mitzvot that we can practice mindfully include separating the challah every time bread is baked or laying the tefillin.
Happiness in Hebrew is connecting to our souls
In Judaism, the belief in avoiding comparison with others is a core belief in Judaism and deeply embedded in the idea that each of us has a unique soul or “neshama.” We’ve each been given a specific mission in life, forcing us to focus on fulfilling our potential instead of measuring ourselves against others.
Jewish mysticism teaches that each soul chooses its life path and challenges before coming to earth, so comparing one’s journey to someone else’s is comparing apples to oranges.
Focus on growing and developing your strengths and talents rather than comparing yourself to others. You can regularly assess your progress based on your aspirations, but avoid comparing that to others’ achievements.
Happiness in Hebrew means embracing growth with being content
At first glance, contentment and growth appear contradictory because contentment suggests satisfaction with the present, while growth implies striving for improvement.
While sameach b’chelko encourages contentment, happiness in Hebrew doesn’t overlook the importance of pursuing personal growth. It’s about appreciating your current situation while working towards your goals with gratitude rather than dissatisfaction and balancing the two concepts. This viewpoint corresponds with Kavod HaBriyot, a Jewish value that believes in respecting all human beings.
Happiness in Hebrew: Paying it forward with kindness
Generosity stems from gratitude; when you appreciate what you have, you understand that accurate fulfillment doesn’t come from acquiring more. Instead, it comes from leaving a lasting positive impact on others.
Acts of kindness or chesed such as volunteering or donating to a trusted Jewish charity such as Colel Chabad can quickly deepen your appreciation for what you have. Supporting the less fortunate will uplift you and bring a sense of fulfillment and gratitude about your circumstances.
Sameach B’Chelko And Colel Chabad
At its core, Colel Chabad’s work personifies how being content with one’s portion can inspire generosity, compassion, and a commitment to improve the lives of others.
As Israel’s oldest Jewish charity, Colel Chabad has a rich history of tzedakah. From supplying nutrition security and childcare to helping widows and orphans and providing medical services for the underprivileged, we have many opportunities to give back.
Donate to Colel Chabad allows individuals to turn their gratitude into action, transforming their contentment into a force for positive change.
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