We all have moments when, although things are not going all that well, we put up a façade and paste a smile on our faces. We sometimes go to great lengths to mask our inner feelings. We'll go about our day as if nothing is wrong, laugh along with our coworkers, and go home to our spouses and children smiling at them without a hint of our inner cares.
Every once in a while, we even exhibit behavior that is the complete opposite of what we feel. We dance when we'd rather mope, sing when we feel like crying, and smile when a frown would be a better indicator of what's going on inside.
But "faking it" long enough will eventually affect your actual mood. You may forget why you were upset in the first place, or perhaps realize that it wasn't such a big deal after all.
As we conclude the holiday of Sukkot, the festival of joy, and look toward Simchat Torah, the festival of extreme joy, we are reminded that regardless of what else is going on in our lives (spiritually and materially), spending time in the company of fellow Jews celebrating the Torah will certainly have a positive impact us now, and for the rest of our year.
This is the time of year when we revel in our connection with G‑d. But even if you are not yet in the mood, strap on your dancing shoes, find a celebration near you, and before you know it, you will be truly jumping for joy.
Wishing you a very joyous holiday and, indeed, rest of the year!
Rabbi Eliezer Zalmanov,
Responder for the Ask the Rabbi team @ Chabad.org
And from me, Altie- have a Happy Simchas Torah! Eat, drink, and be merry!
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