We’re living in a time when many of us are experiencing almost unprecedented tears and fears. Missiles and sirens, increasing anti-Semitism around the world, heartbreaking pictures of levayahs 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 simchah?

The answer, says Rabbi Mayer Yedid, is a resounding … YES!

As a rosh yeshivah, educator, sought-after speaker, successful author, and member of the Rabbinate 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 simchah. 

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 part of our lives? What is the connection between savlanut, patience, and simchah — 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 simchah is based on our perspective, our thoughts, and our feelings, rather than on our actual circumstances. From Yosef HaTzaddik we learn the power of positive thinking. We will also discover how to strengthen simchah 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 hashkafah with practical advice and a deep understanding of human nature, teaching us how to tap into the wondrous power of simchah — and lead the best life we can.