What does Judaism actually teach about happiness, joy, and being happy? Do we have to feel happy all the time? What is simcha in Jewish tradition, and is happiness really a feeling, or something deeper?

In this episode of A Soul Grows in Israel, I explore the Jewish understanding of happiness and joy, and what Jewish spirituality, Torah, Chassidut, and Jewish tradition have to say about living with joy even when life is difficult.

But I also ask a question that can feel much more uncomfortable: Is there room for doubt in Judaism?

Can you have faith in God and still have questions? Can you believe and doubt at the same time? What happens when our spiritual lives don't match the certainty we think we're supposed to have?

We explore faith, doubt, God, happiness, Jewish spirituality, simcha, spiritual struggle, and authentic religious life, asking whether perhaps the goal isn't to always feel happy or certain, but to develop a deeper relationship with God and with ourselves.

If you've ever wondered “Why am I not happy?” “Does Judaism require me to be happy?” “What is true happiness?” or “Can I be religious and still have doubts?”, this conversation is for you.

Topics: Happiness in Judaism, Jewish spirituality, simcha, faith and doubt, questioning God, Jewish tradition, Chassidut, Torah, spirituality, authentic Judaism, and finding meaning in difficult times.

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