Rebbe Nachman of Breslov was a profoundly unique Jewish mystic. While he emphasized serious devotion and inner work, he taught that joy — even silliness — is essential to a healthy spiritual life. (Lesson 24, Likutei Moharan II)
In our modern world that regularly tries to pull us into heaviness, anxiety, and self-doubt, Rebbe Nachman offers us a truly refreshing message: sometimes, the holiest thing you can do is laugh.
Joy is Critical to Your Journey!
One of Rebbe Nachman's most famous statements is:
“It is a great mitzvah to constantly be happy.”
(Likutei Moharan II:24)
Happiness isn’t just a nice ideal — the Rebbe teaches it’s a spiritual necessity. When a person is sad or weighed down, they can’t serve Hashem properly. The yetzer hara (evil inclination) constantly tries to trap people in sadness, making them feel like they’re not good enough or can never change.
The Rebbe taught that focusing on being happy is a way of fighting back. An if you're not feeling joyful? Then sometimes you need to push yourself - even if that means doing something playful or silly.
Holy Silliness: Breaking Through the Darkness
In Breslov tradition, there’s a concept known as “mili deshtusa” — holy silliness. This isn’t about being disrespectful or crude whatsoever. It’s about breaking the shell of sadness and depression through innocent joy, laughter, and even childlike playfulness.
“The main thing is to always be happy, even if it means acting silly, laughter or dancing” (Lesson 48, Likutei Moharan II)
A funny face. A goofy dance. A playful song. A good joke. It might look silly on the outside — but inside, it’s a deep spiritual strategy to reconnect with the joy of life, with yourself, and with Hashem.
Laughter as a Spiritual Medicine
Rebbe Nachman taught that laughter isn't entertainment — it’s healing. In his collected conversations (Sichot HaRan), he hints at the soul-lifting power of joy and jokes, especially when they come from a pure place.
Even a little joke, he taught, can shake off the inner critic, dissolve self-judgment, and open the heart to something higher.
The Simpleton’s Joy
One of Rebbe Nachman’s most beloved stories, “The Sophisticate and the Simpleton,” brings this idea to life. The Simpleton is mocked for being naive, for celebrating small things — but he lives with pure faith and gratitude. Meanwhile, the Sophisticate is brilliant, cynical, and miserable.
In the end, it’s the Simpleton — with his joyful, trusting heart — who finds true happiness and closeness to the King (a metaphor for Hashem).
The Takeaway: Laugh Your Way to Hashem
Rebbe Nachman’s message is clear and so refreshing:
-Laughter is spiritual.
-Silliness can be holy.
- Joy is a mitzvah.
- And sometimes, the best way to break out of darkness and negativity is to smile, sing, or act goofy.
So the next time you start feeling down, fight the yetzer hara with a good hearty laugh or get up and dance! It might be just the thing your soul needs to reconnect with the Infinite.
For a fun, easy way to bring more laughter into your life check out our great kosher joke book collection
Written by AE Weisberg
1 comment
Great Advice!