Parshas Be’haaloscha
Why Be Happy?
“The people were like complainers; [it was] evil in the ears of Hashem.” (11:1)
The prophet Nechemiah was the wine steward for the Persian king, Darius. Once, Nechemiah, looking downcast, approached the king. The king told Nechemiah that that he could tell by looking at his face that he had evil intentions in his heart. The king was apprehensive lest Nechemiah had planned on killing him by poisoning his wine. Nechemiah became frightened by this accusation. He saved his life by explaining that he looked downcast because of the news about the Jews of Yerushalayim who had escaped the Babylonian captivity and remained in Yerushalayim. Rashi (Nechemiah 1:3) says that those Jews who remained were in dire straits because the gentiles plundered and pillaged them. When Nechemiah had heard that news, he sat and wept, and mourned for days, while fasting and praying to Hashem (Nechemiah 1:4).
Rav Avraham Pam zt”l says that walking around with a sullen face is an embarrassment to the king. A person in the king’s presence must always look happy and content, keeping in mind that he has been privileged to serve the king.
Rav Pam zt”l says that perhaps this is what the pasuk (Bamidbar11:1) is teaching us. After giving the Torah to the Jewish People, Hashem directed the Jews to begin traveling to Eretz Yisroel. Hashem wanted them to reach their destination quickly. Rashi says that the people complained, “Woe unto us! How weary we have become on this journey.”
The Torah says that “The people were LIKE complainers.” (Bamidbar11:1) Even though they did not verbalize their complaints to each other, their anger and bitterness were noticeable on their faces. That is what angered Hashem. Rashi explains that Hashem felt, “How ungrateful you are. I meant it for your good, that you might immediately come into the land.”
Let’s look at this in perspective. Hashem had performed many miraculous kindnesses to the Jews who left Egypt. Hashem provided them with the manna, a miraculous food that would taste like any food that they desired. They received water from the miraculous “well of Miriam” which traveled with them. The Jews traveled a 3-day journey in 1 day because Hashem wanted to bring them into Eretz Yisroel as soon as possible. Seven heavenly clouds surrounded the Jews. They protected them from the cold and the heat. The clouds killed any poisonous animals. The clouds leveled mountains and valleys to make it comfortable for the Jews to be able to travel on level ground. Despite all that, some of the Jews did not appreciate Hashem’s kindnesses. They complained about the fast journey. Although they did not verbalize their complaints to Moshe, their unhappiness was noticeable on their faces. Sefer Yere’im considers this as part of the Torah prohibition of causing pain with words. “You shall not show grief to your fellow man (Shmos 25:17).” That includes a person who walks around with a sour or angry face because he causes distress to others around him. (Shabbos with Rav Pam by Rabbi Shalom Smith).
This teaches us a very important lesson! The expressions on our faces affect the mood and happiness of those around us. One’s negative demeanor can be contagious, causing others to become depressed.
Happy expressions can make others feel happiness. We must be so careful to always maintain positive expressions on our faces.
Rabbeinu Bachya learns a different lesson from this. When the Jewish People were told that they would have to start traveling in the desert they complained only among themselves. They did not verbalize their complaint to Moshe. They felt overwhelmed with stress. Why were they punished so severely with a fire that killed numerous people? Rabbeinu Bachya says that the Jewish People were punished for showing a lack of gratitude to Hashem. Hashem had performed so many extraordinary miracles in the desert for their benefit. Had the Jews shifted their perspective and focused on all the kindnesses that they were receiving, they would have been overwhelmed with gratitude and would not have felt any need to complain. (Psychology and Personal Growth in the Torah by Rabbi Shimon Feder)
Happiness is a conscious decision. We are surrounded by countless miracles. Acknowledging them can be life-changing. By focusing on the good around us, we fill our hearts with happiness.
