The Chai Times #73 // Get some Irrational Joy
Mar 03, 2023 7:47 pm
Think:
Let me introduce you to two types of joy.
Joy number one is rational joy. You got a promotion at work, you're happy. You achieved a goal you have been working towards for months, you are elated. You had a difficult problem to solve and you hit a breakthrough, you're thrilled.
Joy number two is irrational joy. Joy that does not stem from the linear progression of conscious reality. It is a joy that erupts from something deep inside without justification.
Joy from being alive, even while you've been beaten down.
Joy from being a Jew, even if it is sometimes uncomfortable.
The joy of survival, of breathing, the joy of a mitzvah, of connection, the joy of dancing, of leaping over boundaries, the joy of holding a loved one close, even if the world around you is crumbling.
Joy number one is measured and limited. Commensurate with your accomplishment is your happiness. But joy number two – that is infinite. It has no rationale, therefore, it has no limitation. It is pure, unbridled, endless joy.
This is the joy of Purim.
Tap into the Purim joy by hearing the Megillah this Monday night, and hearing the Megillah on Tuesday by giving charity to two poor people, sending gifts of food to a friend, hearing the Megillah, and enjoying a festive meal.
More on how to Purim
¡ɯᴉɹnԀ ʎddɐH
Wishing you an uplifting Shabbat,
Rabbi Mendy & Mussy
p.s. As always, we would love to chat with you over coffee or drinks, about Judaism, or just life - reply to this email.
Of interest:
Over the past decade, Taiwan’s Jewish community has undergone a dramatic revival.
The Vanishing The erasure of Jews from American life
Old Chassidic Niggun - a Purim March that traveled from the Shtetl
Upcoming Events:
Weekly Shabbat Services:
- Shabbat morning services 10:20 am
- Torah discussion and reading 11:00 am (sharp)
- Followed by Kiddush and Cholent
3/3 : First Friday's Shabbat Dinner - 5 spots left
We will sell out at 100 people - rsvp now to guarantee
PSA: we are implementing a new thing - ticket prices rise on Thursday night at midnight from $20 to $36.
3/6 : Cirque de Purim
Come in your best circus costume!
There will be a megillah reading followed by music, drinks, and wonderful high energy.
This party is for everyone...
...even if you skipped Yom Kippur
...even if you don't have a Jewish last name
...even if you hate matzah balls
...even if you hate gefilte fish
Only Jew-ish? You are in the right place
- MUSIC
- COSTUMES
- PURIM FOODS
Celebrate the continued miracle of the Jewish People.
Celebrate Purim the way we should!
Buffet dinner, exquisite drinks!
Come in costume!
- 5:00 PM pre-party megillah reading Shmooze & Lechaim
- 6:05 PM Megillah Reading
- 6:30 PM FEAST
- BIG Farbrengen
rsvp for the feast here: https://www.yjpaustin.org/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=165
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Community Events:
#OpenShabbat at SXSW - March 10
- 
SXSW is rapidly approaching: Last year they SOLD OUT at 400 seats. Don’t wait for the last minute this year. RSVP Here
🌱 Chai Society:
Special thanks to our Chai Society Monthly giving members.
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Join the Chai Society here - make a monthly donation and support the programs and events you love.
Together, we’re High Energy!
Shabbat Tetzaveh
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