Is the “Pursuit of Happiness” a Jewish Concept?

🖨 Print

The phrase “pursuit of happiness” is often associated with the American Declaration of Independence and modern Western ideals, but is it a concept that aligns with Jewish thought? While contemporary society might define happiness as a state of emotional fulfillment or material comfort in the here and now, Jewish tradition presents a nuanced and deeply spiritual perspective on the pursuit of happiness—one that transcends this world and directs our focus toward the World to Come, Olam Haba.

Our discussion will start by exploring the first chapter of Mesillat Yesharim and examining what it can reveal about the true pursuit of happiness.

The foundation of piety and the root of perfect service [of G-d] is for a man to clarify and come to realize as truth what is his obligation in his world and to what he needs to direct his gaze and his aspiration in all that he toils all the days of his life.

In relation to our topic, the pursuit of happiness, many people desire happiness but may not fully understand what they are seeking or how to attain it. By understanding our purpose and role in this world, we gain clarity on what happiness truly is and how to pursue it.

Behold, what our sages, of blessed memory, have taught us is that man was created solely to delight in G-d and to derive pleasure in the radiance of the Shechina. For this is the true delight and the greatest pleasure that can possibly exist. The place of this pleasure is, in truth, in Olam Haba. For it was created expressly for this purpose.

Now, the Ramchal clarifies that the greatest pleasure and source of happiness is not found in this world. While we may tend to think of happiness as a large bank account, a big house, or material luxuries, he teaches us that true happiness is found in being in the presence of Hashem in the World to Come.

But the path to arrive at the “desired haven” (Tehillim 107:30) of ours is this world. This is what our sages of blessed memory said: “this world is like a corridor before the World to Come” (Pirkei Avot 4:16).

The means that lead a person to this goal are the commandments which the blessed G-d commanded to us. The place of the performance of these commandments is only in this world. Therefore, man was first placed in this world so that through these means prepared for him here, he will be able to reach the place prepared for him, namely, the World to Come, there to be sated with the good which he acquired through these means. This is what our sages of blessed memory said “today to do them, and tomorrow to receive their reward” (Eruvin 22:1).

This teaches us how we can reach ultimate happiness: by fulfilling the commandments. The commandments are the means through which we achieve true happiness, and therefore, we must focus on fulfilling them in order to genuinely pursue happiness.

Pleasure Earned, Not Given

Rabbi Tatz emphasizes that the ultimate pleasure in the World to Come is not something we receive without effort—it is the reward for our labor in this world.

We have to earn that world – and therein lies the greatest pleasure… We are not to eat the “bread of shame”, to experience pleasure as a free gift in that world would be a degrading experience; we are to build it ourselves and enjoy it as the work of our hands. Our work and our suffering here are the elements which build our happiness there.¹

Rabbi Tatz then goes on to explain that the key to happiness in this world is understanding that everything we experience here is part of the process of preparing for the ultimate fulfillment in the next world. According to him, any attempt at happiness that seeks to avoid this process is nothing more than escapism.

The pursuit of happiness in Judaism is about progress—overcoming life’s challenges, growing spiritually, and preparing for eternal fulfillment. Happiness is a dynamic process that requires effort, personal growth, and a deep connection to our purpose in this world. Thus, the Jewish concept of happiness centers not on transient joys, but on meaningful, lasting fulfillment that extends beyond this life.

This kind of escapism refers to any attempt to distract oneself from the deeper purpose of life or to avoid facing life’s challenges. Whether through material indulgence, excessive entertainment, or other forms of avoidance, these superficial pursuits of happiness are, according to Rabbi Tatz, ultimately empty. They fail to provide lasting fulfillment because they don’t contribute to the spiritual and personal growth that leads to real happiness.

Happiness in Motion

One of the Hebrew words for happiness is אושר (osher). Rav Hirsch, in his commentary to Tehillim 1:1, explains that this word is connected to the concepts of “stepping forward” and “progressing.” We see this usage in Mishlei 4:14: וְאַל־תְּאַשֵּׁר בְּדֶרֶךְ רָעִים (“Do not go in the way of evil men”), and in Mishlei 23:19: שְׁמַע־אַתָּה בְנִי וַחֲכָם וְאַשֵּׁר בַּדֶּרֶךְ לִבֶּךָ (“Listen, my son, and get wisdom; direct your heart in the right path”).

Rav Hirsch explains that the true meaning of אושר is not about the mere possession of material wealth or spiritual faculties already attained, but rather about progress toward their eventual attainment. In this sense, happiness is not a static state but a dynamic process—one that involves “striding forward” on the path toward fulfillment and growth. Thus, the feeling of happiness can be characterized by knowing that we are moving in the right direction.
In conclusion, yes, the “pursuit of happiness” is a concept found in Jewish thought, but it differs significantly from the modern Western definition. While contemporary society often links happiness to material gain or emotional fulfillment, Jewish tradition presents happiness as a spiritual journey rooted in fulfilling God’s commandments and striving for connection with Him with the place of ultimate reward in the World to Come.