"How Laughter Gets Us Through Tough Times" with R' YY Rubinstein at CHAZAQ!

On Sunday night, August 9th 2015, the Chazaq organization was privileged to host a very prominent and well known speaker, Rabbi YY Rubenstein. Rabbi Rubenstein was born in Glasgow, Scotland and moved to England when he was twenty. He studied in the world renowned Gateshead Yeshiva for seven years as well as an additional three years in Liverpool Kollel. With an air of confidence and a shining smile, Rabbi Rubenstein opened his speech with a fundamental question; what makes a person laugh? There are many ways to make someone laugh but the most common and effective method is the usage of ‘surprise’ or ‘the unexpected’. The most hilarious portion of a joke is the punch line- the part that makes one think, “I didn’t see that coming”! Rabbi Rubenstein then quoted a Gemara: One Rabbi met Eliyahu HaNavi in the marketplace and asked him, “who in this marketplace is going to Heaven?” Eliyahu HaNavi responded, “…those two men are going to Heaven since they are comedians. They don’t just crack jokes, but they look for people who are specifically depressed or upset, and make them laugh!” We see how important laughter is and should acknowledge that it’s one of the greatest gifts G-d could have ever given to us. Being able to make another person laugh during tough times is a powerful and great deed that should be smiled upon. Throughout life, unexpected occurrences arise and many can be difficult. However, an attitude that allows you to laugh at those unexpected things can really help you get through the tough times in life. Chazaq is a community organization that has taken upon itself the goal of building a stronger future for the Jewish community. We are constantly organizing new events and lectures and would love to hear some feedback from you. You can visit us at http://www.chazaq.org, email us at [email protected], or call us at 718-285-9132. (by Natan Alper) Together We Can Make A Difference, To donate online to CHAZAQ please visit https://www.fidelipay.com/chazaq