Enjoy Life’s Simple Pleasures

Rav Adin Steinsaltz was primarily known for his translation of the Talmud. He was able to connect students to this sacred book with his unique style and presentation.

In his later years, Rav Steinsaltz also wrote a commentary on the Five Megillot. In the Book of Kohelet, he made a very interesting and useful observation. Generally, Kohelet comes across as a very negative book that describes the vanity and injustices of the world.

Nevertheless, on a few occasions he describes certain positive aspects of life. For example, it mentions that it is very special to grow old with the wife of your youth. It is a blessing for a person to be able to sustain himself with the work of his hands. He lives within his means, and he sleeps well at night.

There is another point made that should truly be taken to heart. Rav Steinsaltz commented about how important it is to enjoy life. He wrote that a person should certainly live within his means. But if something comes up that will involve an unforeseen monetary expenditure, that will result in giving that person some satisfaction, he should do it. He should not worry that his overall assets will be diminished.

He is telling us to enjoy life and not be concerned. Nobody knows what tomorrow might bring. The same would apply to unexpected expenses. As long as we have the means to pay them, it will be okay.

An individual must learn to overcome his insecurities about money. One should not be careless and wasteful, but he should also learn to enjoy what he has without worrying. This is very important advice as we exert too much energy worrying about money rather than enjoying it. This represents one of life’s simple pleasures.

The Orchot Tzaddikim mentioned that the obstacle to achieving happiness is worry. We must learn to enjoy what we have without worry.