"Rebbe Nachman says in that case, turn to “mili dishtusa,”things that seem silly. It can mean hearing jokes, but it can mean things that don’t seem so holy, but really are"

How can we come to Rosh Chodesh Adar and feel simchah at a time of such anxiety, panic and fear?

“Rebbe Nachman considered simchah, happiness, to be central to the life of a Yid. Ideally, that joy should come from learning Torah and doing mitzvos, but sometimes, it’s hard to feel it. So Rebbe Nachman says in that case, turn to “mili dishtusa,”things that seem silly. It can mean hearing jokes, but it can mean things that don’t seem so holy, but really are. It’s a tough time, but go out and look at a sunset. Listen to the birds chirping. Listen to music. And find simchah where you can….”

—Famed Breslov mashpia, RAV MOTA FRANK

(Originally featured in Mishpacha, Issue 848)