Highlighting “The Power of Simchah” By Rabbi Mayer Yedid. Mesorah Publications Ltd. 2023. English. Hardcover.
272 pages. ISBN-13: 978-1422639757.

(Courtesy of Artscroll) We’re living in a time when many of us are experiencing almost unprecedented tears and fears. Missiles and sirens, increasing antisemitism around the world and heartbreaking pictures of levayos have become a part of our daily headlines and news feeds. Sorrow seems to be in the very air we breathe.

Is this a time to talk about simcha?

The answer, says Rabbi Meyer Yedid, is a resounding yes!

As a rosh yeshiva, educator, sought-after speaker, successful author and rav of Brooklyn’s large and thriving Congregation Shaare Zion, Rabbi Yedid has taught, guided and helped thousands of people of all ages. In his newly released book, “The Power of Simchah,” he takes us on a fascinating journey to simcha.

How do we find the positive in our lives, even in difficult times and circumstances? What is the amazing power of optimism and how can we achieve it? Yishuv hadaat – what is it, why is it important, and how do we make it a part of our lives? What is the connection between savlanut, patience, and simcha – and how do we incorporate both of them into our daily interactions?

Drawing on examples and wisdom from Sarah Imeinu, Rabbi Yedid shows us how simcha is based on our perspective, our thoughts and feelings, rather than our actual circumstances. From Yosef Hatzaddik, we learn the power of positive thinking. We will also discover how to strengthen simcha through incorporating the “Dayeinu attitude” into our lives: taking each moment, each event, each item in our lives and realizing how special it is.

Just as he did in his other highly praised and popular books, “The Power of Chinuch” and “The Power of Tranquility,” Rabbi Yedid blends Torah hashkafa with practical advice and a deep understanding of human nature, teaching us how to tap into the wondrous power of simcha and lead the best life we can.