The Power of Joy: Rabbi Noah Weinberg’s Guide to Living with Passion, Purpose, and Lasting Happiness

In his renowned series "48 Ways to Wisdom," Rabbi Noah Weinberg explains the Baraita in Pirkei Avot (Ethics of the Fathers), elaborating on the 48 pathways that the Sages proposed for living a wise and meaningful life.

The eighth path to living wisely is “with joy”. "Remember how you felt on the last day of school? When you got your driver’s license? The first time you flew abroad? You were so excited you could hardly sit still", begins Rabbi Weinberg. "When you're joyful, you feel energized, alive, and capable of achieving things that yesterday seemed out of reach."

Joy: The Fuel for Achievement

"No one can reach their full potential without joy", he explains. "Even a top athlete, regardless of how many trophies and medals they’ve won, needs the excitement of the crowd, the competition, the environment...Without it, they play flat, out of routine."

Although some people may be born with more natural cheerfulness than others, Rabbi Weinberg insists that joy can be learned. "If you can train yourself to enter a state of joy- whether you're studying, walking, working, or relaxing- you’ll gain a massive dose of energy and confidence."

Real Joy vs. Illusions of Joy

"We need to distinguish between true joy, which uplifts and empowers us, and the illusion of joy, which explodes in moments of release only to crash into emptiness and even depression", he says.

"A classic example is New Year’s Eve. You party all night, feel euphoric, but the next morning you wake up with a hangover and a terrible sense of emptiness. That’s why New Year’s Day has the highest suicide rate in the Western world."

Likewise, someone who wins the lottery may feel ecstatic, but that feeling doesn't last if they have no real vision or purpose. Joy without depth is an illusion.

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Tip #1: Engage in Meaningful Activities

Rabbi Weinberg teaches: "True joy comes from inner growth and self-actualization. When you overcome a challenge or gain new understanding, you feel real happiness. Winning the lottery or watching your team win the championship? That’s not real growth."

Joy does not come from external events, but from how you respond to life. Pursue meaningful goals and contribute to the world, and you’ll tap into lasting joy.

Tip #2: Take Action- Joy Will Follow

Judaism teaches: "Hearts follow actions." If you act joyfully, by smiling, dressing well, singing, walking in nature, or focusing on gratitude, your emotional state will shift accordingly.

Simply smiling can improve your mood. Sing a song, dress nicely, call your parents to say thank you, think about how great it is to be alive. Then take that energy and do something meaningful with it.

Tip #3: Anticipate Joy

Thinking about future pleasures can increase joy in the present. Knowing that a fun trip or exciting meeting is coming up can lift your spirits. Children may feel tired in class, but the moment the teacher announces a school trip, everyone perks up. Why? Because the expectation of joy energizes them.

When you wake up, ask: “What is something I’m looking forward to today?” Anticipation is a powerful fuel for joy.

Tip #4: Focus on Gains, Not Losses

Even on days you’d rather skip work, shift your focus: “Today I’ll be productive. I’ll earn money. I’ll accomplish something.” List the benefits before doing anything, and you’ll enjoy it more.

Tip #5: Appreciate the Simple Gifts

Many people lack joy because they take life for granted, until they face death or illness. A person who survives a car accident or beats cancer walks around saying, “It’s so good to be alive!” Appreciate your hands, your legs, your mind, your vision. Gratitude leads to joy. Don’t wait for tragedy to realize what you have.

Children naturally live in joy, but as adults, we learn how to be miserable. The beauty is still there- we just need to notice it again.

(Photo: Shutterstock)