Dancing Walls and Grateful Hearts: The Joyful Life of Rabbi Zalman Brizel

A Home Filled with Joy

The late Rabbi Zalman Brizel, a beloved figure in Jerusalem, was known for his unwavering joy and gratitude to God in every moment of life. As described in the book Reb Zalman, his inner light radiated outward with every step he took.

When young grooms came to Rabbi Brizel for guidance before marriage, he would tell them: “Joy is the foundation of every successful Jewish home. When you walk through the door, make sure even the walls are dancing!”

Each morning, returning home from prayer, he would greet his household with a cheerful “Good morning," brimming with life, as if it were the happiest day of his life. His infectious happiness instantly filled the home.

He often declared: “I prayed today and put on tefillin; why wouldn’t I be happy?!” It wasn’t rare to see him break into a small dance after prayer, waving his cane with delight and thanking God for granting him another day of life and the opportunity to perform more mitzvot (Divine commandments). He would say this joyfully to anyone curious about his overflowing happiness.

No Room for Stress, Just Room for Peace

Rabbi Brizel was never seen agitated or anxious. He carried himself with inner peace and calm clarity, no matter the situation.

On one occasion, he joined a group visiting the graves of tzaddikim (righteous men) in the Galilee. As was his way, he sat in a corner engrossed in his books, making the most of every free moment for Torah study. Along the way, a debate broke out among the passengers: should they stop in Tzfat or continue directly to Meron? When they couldn’t agree, they turned to Rabbi Zalman for advice.

He smiled and answered in his usual gentle tone: “Listen, my friends. When I left home for this journey, I left behind a small bundle containing all my tension and nerves. I didn’t bring that with me. So I truly don’t mind either way. Do as you wish.”

Even after falling down the stairs in his wheelchair and sustaining a serious injury, he didn’t let those around him feel burdened or guilty. With a warm smile, he reassured them: “I believe that since the six days of Creation, it was decreed that I would fall on these very steps today. No one could have prevented it. Don’t be foolish and blame yourselves.” Turning to his worried family, he added: “Thank God, it was only my arm that broke. Imagine if I had broken my head!”

“Only Joy”: A Life Philosophy Rooted in Gratitude

Rabbi Yisrael Grossman, a close friend of Rabbi Brizel, once shared a powerful story from their youth. When Rabbi Zalman was a young man, he contracted tuberculosis. In those days, before antibiotics, tuberculosis patients were placed in complete isolation.

He lay alone at home for a long period, burning with fever. When Rabbi Yisrael came to visit, he saw his friend pale and frail and assumed he had come to say goodbye. But when he approached the bed, Rabbi Zalman lifted his head slightly and whispered with force: “Reb Yisrael, only joy! Only joy!”

This wasn’t a momentary phrase. It was his life philosophy. Rabbi Brizel believed nothing in life should be taken for granted. Every good thing, no matter how small, was a gift from God and deserving of thanks.

He explained it simply: “If a person lives with a sense of entitlement, then every minor setback will upset him, and even blessings won’t bring him joy. But if he lives with the sense that nothing is owed to him, then any kindness, even the smallest thing, will fill his heart with love for God and joy that bursts outward."

Adapted from the Hebrew book Reb Zalman, courtesy of the Dirshu website.