Happiness and self-worth are complex concepts that have been discussed and analyzed in various spiritual and philosophical traditions throughout history.

Kabbalah and Chassidut offer unique perspectives on happiness, emphasizing its connection to spiritual growth and self-awareness. In this context, happiness is not simply an emotional state, but rather a fundamental aspect of one’s relationship with Hashem and a key component of the path to transcendence.

Believing in Hashem is a fundamental aspect of many faiths, and most people around the world would agree with this statement. However, what about believing in yourself? Our Rabbis teach us that this second step of Emunah of believing in oneself, is equally important for personal growth and spiritual development.

Rabbi Yehuda Aryeh Leib from Gur, also known as the Sefat Emet, explains that the Yetzer HaRah, or evil inclination, often makes individuals feel unimportant and distant from Hashem. A person who thinks he’s worthless can sink down to the worst degrees of depravity.

It is essential to recognize that this feeling is false and that each person is a unique and valuable creation of Hashem, with a specific purpose in life.

Without acknowledging the significance and importance of our actions, it is impossible to achieve any real spiritual level, according to Rabbi Tzadok HaKohen MiLublin. Therefore, believing in ourselves is the first, essential step towards unlocking our full potential and bringing positive change to the world around us.

In this article, we will delve deeper into the Kabbalah of self-worth and happiness and explore how believing in ourselves is crucial for achieving true happiness and fulfillment in life.

Kabbalah of happiness explained

Happiness is a state of mind that we all strive for. But what does happiness mean in the context of Kabbalah? According to Rav Chaim Vital in Sha’arei Kedusha, an overwhelming happiness over one’s lot in life is one of the pre-conditions for a person to achieve transcendence. This is a lofty goal, but an essential one nonetheless.

In previous articles, we discussed how Hashem is good to all His Creatures, no matter what situation they are in. Being happy, therefore, means recognizing that you are exactly where you are supposed to be. It is a state of completion in mind that is not dependent on external circumstances.

But there is a deeper secret to happiness in Kabbalah. In Hebrew, the word for complete, whole, and peace all stem from the same root “Shalem” (שלם), which has the numerical value of 370, as taught by the Zohar. These are the 370 lights that emanate from the highest Sephirah of Keter (“crown), which encompasses all the others. It turns out that the full expression of happiness is also a manifestation of Keter and, in fact, an incredible source of power.

The lesson is clear: only someone who is truly happy, even with their portion in life, can be complete and at peace. This type of happiness is not dependent on external factors such as wealth or success, but rather an internal state of being.

Moreover, the number 370 can be divided into two times 185, which is the numerical value of the name of Hashem אל written in the milui (extensive form) אלף למד. This further emphasizes the importance of lovingkindness in achieving happiness. To be truly happy, one must not only recognize their self-worth but also be kind to themselves.

In summary, happiness in Kabbalah is not just a fleeting feeling, but rather a state of mind that comes from recognizing and being content with one’s place in the world. It is a manifestation of Keter, the highest Sephirah, and an incredible source of power. To achieve happiness, we must learn to be kind to ourselves and recognize our self-worth.

How to understand self-worth from a Kabbalistic standpoint

According to Rav Chaim Vital, a pre-condition for achieving transcendence is overwhelming happiness over one’s lot in life. This can be a difficult task, but it is necessary for spiritual growth. The idea is that being happy is a state of completion in the mind, acknowledging that you are exactly where you are meant to be. This concept is rooted in the Kabbalistic teachings of the Sephirah of Keter, which encompasses all other Sephirot and emanates 370 lights, representing the full expression of happiness. In essence, happiness is a manifestation of Keter and a tremendous source of spiritual power.

Chassidic sources add that happiness is not only a state of mind, but also a tool for opening the doors to spiritual growth. Rebbe Nachman teaches that a person should make themselves happy by any means necessary, even if it means telling silly jokes or dancing alone. Sadness, on the other hand, is seen as a trait that distances a person from Hashem and prevents spiritual ascent. Therefore, it is important to strive for joy and to shed tears of joy and longing for Hashem.

It is important to note that there are times when sadness and mourning are necessary, such as on Tisha B’Av or during the Tachanun prayer. However, even during these times, there is still room for joy and a positive attitude toward life.

Concluding notes

In conclusion, the Kabbalistic and Chassidic teachings on happiness emphasize its importance as a spiritual tool for growth and connection with Hashem. While it may be difficult to achieve, cultivating a state of happiness and joy can bring tremendous spiritual benefits and open the doors to salvation and transcendence.