The Mitzvah to Be Happy
Inspiration: Once, when Elisha HaNavi wanted to attain prophecy, he requested a minstrel to play for him. The sweet music lifted his soul with happiness and elevated his mind to receive the prophecy.
Lesson: It is a Mitzvah to use positive stimuli to bring us to a joyful state of mind. For example, by using music as Elisha did, we elevate ourselves to attain new levels of spirituality and awareness of HaShem.
App: Engage in activities that stimulate joy. For example, listen to a beautiful song or take a few minutes to count your blessings. Or reflect on the great miracles HaShem did for us in the Exodus from Egypt and the great miracles that He will do for us at the time of our redemption. -- and fill your heart with joy. (Based on Menoras HaMaor)
