By Rabbi Avraham Katz

One of the topics that the Rebbe dealt with most frequently, especially when interacting with individual people in yechidus, letters, and dollars, was the need for simcha, being joyous in serving Hashem.

Now, when it comes to accepting painful situations that are out of our control, although it’s definitely challenging to be be’simcha, at least we can understand, to some extent, why it should make sense to try to be happy. Hashem is good, He only does good things, so, somehow, everything that happens to me must be for the good, even if my limited mind can’t grasp how it’s for the good.

But when it comes to dealing with ourselves, our own struggles, failures, and bad choices, it’s much more complicated and challenging to be be’simcha. How can I be happy with myself if I know that I have failed so many times? To not take aveiros seriously would mean that I don’t really care about serving Hashem at all, how can I be pained by aveiros I have done, and yet be happy all the time to serve Hashem? How can I do Teshuva, regretting my past and committing to do better, and not feel bitter?

The Rebbe said in the maamar מרגלא בפומיה דרבא תשמ”ו that we don’t need bitterness anymore, what is that supposed to mean? I am not allowed to feel bitter about my past mistakes? Or about galus? Then what is כתית למאור all about?

Although many of these questions are dealt with in Tanya, the answers are not always so obvious, even to those who have studied Tanya. And we want to know what the Rebbe really meant by saying that “nowadays we don’t need bitterness” anymore.

The following essay is an attempt to offer a comprehensive picture of the viewpoint of Chassidus Chabad on joy versus bitterness in the service of Hashem, specifically, according to the Rebbe’s approach.

The Rebbe’s teachings on this subject are developed across multiple sichos and maamarim, delivered at different times and in different contexts. Taken together, they form a unified framework that addresses how we should relate to aveiros, teshuvah, and spiritual growth — specifically from a place of inner strength and joy. This essay seeks to weave these teachings into a single, coherent presentation, and to show how they can be applied in our daily lives.

Following the essay, three of the Rebbe’s original teachings on this topic are presented with context, the Hebrew text with nikud, and a conversational English translation, so that the reader can study the sources directly.

Much of this essay is based on the compiler’s understanding of the sources. While he has tried to faithfully represent the Rebbe’s intent, there is always a possibility of error in interpretation. With Hashem’s help, the goal is that the reader should gain an understanding that is very close to the Rebbe’s true intention. And more importantly, walk away with a practical understanding of how to apply the Rebbe’s teaching on joy to their daily lives.

For questions or comments on, feel free to reach out at [email protected] 

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