Simcha (Hebrew: שִׂמְחָה śimḥāʰ; Hebrew pronunciation: [simˈχa], Yiddish pronunciation: [ˈsɪmχə]) is a Hebrew word that means gladness, or joy, and is often used as a given name.
Uses
editThe concept of simcha is an important one in Jewish philosophy. A popular teaching by Rabbi Nachman of Breslov, a 19th-century Chassidic Rabbi, is "Mitzvah Gedolah Le'hiyot Besimcha Tamid," it is a great mitzvah (commandment) to always be in a state of happiness. When a person is happy one is much more capable of serving God and going about one's daily activities than when depressed or upset.[1]
Jews often use simcha in its capacity as a Hebrew and Yiddish noun meaning festive occasion. The term is used for any happy occasion, such as a wedding, Bar Mitzvah or engagement.
Holidays
editThe day of Simchat Torah, "Rejoice in the Law", marks the completion and beginning of the annual cycle of reading the Torah.
Other uses
editSimcha is also the name of a kosher beer from Saxony, Germany.[2] It was also a slang term used in Jewish-American organized crime circles to refer to a pimp.[3] Members of the Chabad movement sometimes use the word Simcha (abbreviated as "S.") when referring to place names that begin with the word "Saint" in order to avoid what they believe is idolatry. For example, some Jews may refer to the city of Santa Monica, California, as "S. Monica."[4]
Name
editSimcha is also used as a given name, for men or women. In the Ashkenazi Jewish tradition, the name Simcha is most likely to be used for a boy, while in the Sephardic/Israeli tradition it would be a girl's name.
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ Likutei MoHaran
- ^ Simcha – Koscheres Bier aus Sachsen
- ^ Free-wheeling U.S. spirit stoked gangsters, prof says, Jewish Bulletin of Northern California, December 4, 1998
- ^ Goldstein, Yakkov. "May one say the names of saints of idolatry, such as Paul/Peter/Patrick/Francis?". shulchanaruchharav.com. Retrieved 17 May 2024.
External links
edit- "Simcha Blisters" article about Jewish attitude of accountability to experience Simcha
- "Simcha" - Jewish music from New Zealand
- SimchaMaker - Simcha Productions in Israel
- "SimchaHappens" - a blog by an individual embracing simcha
- "The South Coast Simcha Band" - A klezmer and Yiddish band in southern California
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