Simha (שמחה) translates to "joy." But in Jewish thought, simha is neither a mood nor good fortune: it is a labor, almost a discipline. An explanation of a concept that overturns our relationship with happiness.

"It is a great mitzvah to always be joyful"

The phrase is from Rabbi Nachman of Breslov (Likutey Moharan II, 24): mitzvah gedola lihyot besimcha tamid. The word to remember is "mitzvah" — a commandment, not an option. Joy does not wait for circumstances to be good: it is cultivated, especially when they are not.

Joy and sadness: the true battle

Rabbi Nachman saw sadness (atzvut) as the main obstacle to spiritual life — not pain, which is human, but the paralyzing discouragement. Simha is the weapon against this discouragement: singing, dancing, seeking the good (see our article on Azamra), surrounding oneself. Jewish joy is active, never passive.

Joy as connection

In Jewish holidays, joy is always collective: one rejoices with — one's family, one's community, the stranger, the poor. Simha connects: to oneself, to others, to the Creator. This is the meaning of the triptych we inscribed under the word: Joy. Faith. Connection.

Wearing Simha

The SIMHA snow wash sweatshirt features this word in white and gold brush lettering on heavy washed cotton with raw edges — each piece is unique, like every joy. Discover all pieces from the Simha collection and all of our sweatshirts.