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Our sages of old teach us in Pirkei Avot 4:1: “Ben Zoma taught: Who is rich? Those who are happy with their portion.” The word for happy might be familiar to most of you – Sameach – from which we derive the word Simcha, a joyous event. On first reading, the answer is certainly not what we might expect. When we speak of someone who is rich, our first thoughts turn to the individual’s net worth. But then, certain elegant desserts can be too rich. As we ponder the word a bit more, and evaluate our lives, we can come to another possible conclusion, which is that a rich life, a fulfilling life, does not necessarily have to be identified with monetary wealth. We might have been enriched through wonderful friendships or experiences, for example. Engaging with the arts can be a path towards richness, be it literature, art, music, or theatre. Sharing special occasions with those important to us are a path towards richness. And speaking from personal experience, the blessing of a granddaughter is immeasurable in its richness.

Having Simcha in our lives can be an individual observation, although there is also the potential for a collective communal experience, such a Bar/Bat Mitzvah or wedding. Is it possible to have too much Simcha in our lives? We know that it is possible to have too much sadness, but I don’t think that I’ve been in an extended period where I felt it necessary to remark that “this is just too much Simcha”.

Over the next week, Tree of Life may be saying for the first time in five years and eight months that we had too much Simcha. I can admit that upon hindsight, four S’machot (the plural of Simcha) within six days is a bit much. But I can also offer a different perspective, which is: If ever there is a synagogue in the United States that deserves six days of S’machot, it is Tree of Life. Will everyone be able and willing to attend everything. Well, I’ll be there, God willing, yet I recognize that for some, there are previous plans that coincide. It is inevitable that no matter what gets scheduled, it will conflict with some schedules unfortunately. Shabbat on the Rocks followed by Graduation Shabbat followed by the Groundbreaking followed by our 160^th Anniversary Celebration will be an incredible run of pure Simcha. Yes, it will be tiring, if not exhausting. Yes, it will be emotional, moving, exhilarating, beautiful and inspirational. I’m open to letting the wave of Simcha just take me along for the ride, not in some tsunami-like experience, but to just have it flow through and over me, enveloping me in an extended run of something we haven’t felt for too long.

I pray that many of you are open to the same experience, and that we might merit continued S’machot, both individually and as a congregation. May it be Your will, Adonai our God and God of our ancestors, that we continue to merit Your Divine love and gifts. We are indeed blessed by Your bounty, and rich.