Why Don't I Have Joy in Life? Rabbi Yigal Cohen's New Book Offers an Answer

Many times in our lives, we find ourselves bewildered by a tough challenge we have no idea how to tackle – whether it's struggling with income, difficulties in raising children for those blessed with them, or marital troubles, for those fortunate to be married. So how do we cope and maintain joy despite everything? Rabbi Yigal Cohen, one of the most sought-after speakers at Hidabroot, has answers.

In his new book, "Yigal Libi B'Yeshua'tcha," which was recently published and is available for sale on Hidabroot's website, Rabbi Cohen presents a toolkit of faith brimming with goodness for any trouble and distress a person might face in life. The guiding motto throughout his writing is singular: how to bring as many people as possible to more joy in life and live from a place of complete faith, without blemish. "When discussing psychological barriers caused by the difficult trials a person undergoes in life, one must understand a very important principle: there is no suffering without sin," explains Rabbi Cohen (43), head of "Yabia Omer" institutions, an author, and a sought-after lecturer. "Sometimes, Hashem brings difficulties into our lives so we'll stop and evaluate our behavioral patterns. Maybe some of these patterns, which we're so used to, are flawed? A truthful person who seeks precision in his journey and genuinely wants to fix himself will not fear learning new patterns and walking a different path."

Regarding the writing of the book, the rabbi says it involved tremendous siyata dishmaya (divine assistance), "and a huge gift from Hashem," from the first moment he picked up the pen until the book was printed, less than two months later (!). The book's direction was clear from the outset, as these are topics he's spoken about for over 15 years in numerous lectures, dozens of which are on the Hidabroot website. "The book is essentially a pyramid of practical tools, culminating in joy – what it is, how to strive for it, and how to find it. A happy person views life's trials in a completely different way, and unlike a sad person, he has the strength to bear them, seemingly out of nowhere. We live in a generation with difficult and numerous trials – in faith, livelihood, matchmaking, health, education of children, and most prominently – in sadness and fear. The book is essentially a guide to correct and successful living according to our sacred Torah."

Someone might say, "There are plenty of books like this. Why do I need 'another' book that'll disappear on my bookshelf the moment I buy it?" To such remarks, the rabbi responds that indeed, this book is intended for those who are not looking for an easy path or magic solutions. "There are no shortcuts for those who want to understand what joy is. Faith stems from the word exercise – it requires repetition over and over again until one truly acquires it. This is also true for other acquisitions in life – joy, love, prayer, wisdom, and more.

"It is impossible to achieve true joy and inner peace without reviewing and implementing these concepts in practice. Merely reading the book without review and implementation will not lead to significant results. Only through daily self-work and constant repetition of the Torah mantras, like dripping water that erodes stone, will we finally see how salvation, happiness, and joy enter our hearts."

A Person Who is Angry or Envious Doesn't Truly Believe

What Comes First – Joy or Faith?

"Faith is the foundation of everything, including joy. But to truly believe, one must learn and understand what true faith is, especially regarding life's small nuances, where envy and anger arise. People don't always recognize this deception, but a person who is angry or envious doesn't truly believe. He lives with an attitude of 'I deserve,' and from such a place, it's impossible to begin to understand the ways of Hashem and His actions. Both envy and anger cause a person to be unhappy, not to mention more extreme cases of depression, self-persecution, fears, and other psychological issues."

So, what is faith, in one word?

"In three – you are not alone. There is someone with you at every moment, who cares for you, loves you, rejoices in your existence, and wants you to recognize His existence, too. Once you truly know Him, there's no way you won't love Him and everything He sends or doesn't send into your life."

And yet, there are times we don't feel it daily.

"That's because we haven't practiced this way of thinking enough. Hashem loves us infinitely and can give us everything we lack without any problem. The abundance descending from Him is not limited; we are the ones who limit the abundance from descending and filling our vessels with goodness. How do we do this? Through lack of faith and joy. A person facing a certain trial can easily fall into thoughts like, 'They hate me,' 'I'm not wanted,' 'There's no way I can be successful as a person,' and more.

Rabbi Yigal Cohen

"But it's not like that. The one who created you loves you more than anything else in the world, and therefore there's no chance in the world that He would want what's bad for you. In our times, we have no right to receive prophecies, so Hashem speaks to us through our hardships. Don't understand what He is trying to tell you? Open your mouth and talk to Him – because from the difficulty, emerge the most beautiful words. And when you talk to Him, the barrier between you – that stops the abundance from reaching you – will break. Everyone has difficulties, but one must know that in the end – the light always comes. 'To recount Your lovingkindness in the morning' – that's faith. I don't see the daylight, but I believe it will come. I don't see an end to these pains, but I believe Hashem won't let me down. He will eventually grant me my salvation."

According to the rabbi, the book "Yigal Libi B'Yeshua'tcha" – as its name suggests, is suitable for every heart ("Even my 12-year-old daughter read it with bated breath, eagerly waiting for the next chapter"). Yes, even children – as long as they can read. What doesn't enter through the vessels of intellect and understanding will certainly enter 'between the lines' – through vessels of awe of heaven and sanctity.

How do you teach faith to children?

"Oh, this is an important lesson in itself, where the strongest emphasis is on looking at what he has and not at what is missing. I'll never forget when I was a child and received a slice of bread with white cheese. When I saw students with sandwiches made of yellow cheeses, I was envious because I didn't have that.

"In such a situation, I recommend teaching the child to look at the half-full glass. Tell him that there are people who don't even have bread with white cheese, and they don't have a father and mother who love them and provide for all their needs. 'You have new shoes bought for you in a store, not inherited from a sibling or neighbor,' and so forth. A child raised in this way will never lack faith – and from there, the path to true joy is short."

The book "Yigal Libi B'Yeshua'tcha" can be found in selected stores and at Hidabroot Shops.