The Secret Israel Knows About Happiness | Rabbi Bernath's Sermon for Shabbat Shuva 2026

In this Shabbat Shuva sermon, delivered by Rabbi Yisroel Bernath at Chabad NDG in Montreal, we explore a surprising question: Why are people able to experience happiness even when life is difficult?

Looking at Israel’s remarkable longevity, strong family culture, and consistently high levels of reported happiness, the answer may have less to do with comfort and more to do with connection, community, meaning, and knowing that you are part of something larger than yourself.

Rabbi Bernath connects this idea to the Rebbe’s Twelve Pesukim, teachings the Rebbe wanted every Jewish child to carry within them: Torah belongs to you, G-d is present, every person has a mission, loving another Jew matters, success requires effort, and ultimately, your life has a purpose that brings joy to G-d Himself.

On the Shabbat before Yom Kippur, the message becomes especially powerful: happiness does not mean having a life without pain, uncertainty, mistakes, or struggle. It means waking up knowing that your life matters, your choices matter, and you are part of G-d’s unfolding purpose in this world.

Key Points
-Happiness is not the absence of problems. A meaningful life can contain struggle and still be deeply joyful.
-We need people. Knowing there are people who will show up for us can be more powerful than simply having an easy life.
-Family and community create meaning. Sometimes the chaos is worth it because of the moments when we realize we belong to something larger than ourselves.
-Judaism is your inheritance. Torah does not belong only to rabbis, scholars, or “more religious” Jews. It belongs to every Jew.
-There are no shortcuts to growth. Real achievement requires effort, persistence, and showing up again.
-Your life has a mission. Judaism teaches that we are here to transform ourselves, our homes, and our world into a dwelling place for G-d.
-That may be the deepest definition of happiness: knowing that your existence is not accidental and that what you do with your life matters.

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