In this episode of Wondering Jews, Noam and Mijal dive into the themes of joy and happiness through the lens of the Jewish holiday of Sukkot. They explore the paradox of a festival centered on joy amidst life’s impermanence, discussing how the temporary structure of the sukkah reminds us of what truly brings happiness: relationships, community, and purpose. Along the way, they share personal confessions from their high school reading lists, memories of joyful moments, and reflections on how to balance joy with the realities of the modern world. Tune in for a thoughtful conversation about how Jewish traditions offer timeless lessons on finding joy, even in challenging times.

Mijal Bitton: Committed by Mijal Bitton  | Substack

Martin Seligman: Pursuit of Happiness

Robert Waldinger and Marc Schulz (Harvard study on happiness): The Good Life

Noam Weissman's Jewish Journal article about Sukkot: Living in the Joy of Sukkot

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