Joy (simcha) as a form of Jewish piety WT-SSTA-JS
The aim of the course is to introduce students to the concept of simcha, which describes Jewish joy and happiness. Practicing simcha should not only be a pleasure, but also a moral obligation as a recommended form of serving God and observing His mitzvot, or commandments. The role of simcha is emphasized in the Torah, the most important part of the Tanakh, where the term appears many times, including in Bereshit, Shemot, Vayikra (once each), and as many as 12 times in Devarim. In the other two parts of the Hebrew Bible, Neviim and Ketuvim, the term simcha also appears in many passages. A joyful disposition, studying the Torah, and performing the commandments in a spirit of joy are ways to find God. The aim is to acquire a skill practiced in Judaism, namely serving God with simcha. The attitude of simcha should become the main tool of spiritual service to God. The improvement of the student’s competences will concern three dimensions of simcha: 1. simcha as a moral obligation of a pious Jew, 2. indication of the elements of simcha in Jewish holidays, 3. an example of the practice of simcha according to Hasidic followers.
(in Polish) Dyscyplina naukowa, do której odnoszą się efekty uczenia się
(in Polish) Grupa przedmiotów ogólnouczenianych
(in Polish) Opis nakładu pracy studenta w ECTS
Subject level
Learning outcome code/codes
Type of subject
Preliminary Requirements
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
W1 - the student defines the concept of Jewish simcha based on the texts of the Torah, Neviim and Ketuvim. Lists 10 concepts in the Judaic tradition that emphasize different dimensions of joy. Is able to distinguish the joy manifested in holeilut, or merriment resulting from an attitude of recklessness and frivolity (which should be avoided), from simcha, which is the basis for practicing mitzvot in the community.
W2 - the student understands the complexity of simcha as a form of serving God and observing His mitzvot. Draws the right conclusions from the fact that joy is a religious duty of a Jew.
U1 - the student precisely explains the meaning of simcha in the perspective: socio-moral, selected Jewish holidays and in relation to the practice of Hasidism.
K1 - Is able to confirm the thesis that simcha plays an important role in the society of Judaism, enriching holidays and celebrations with joy and spiritual depth.
Assessment criteria
W1
sufficient mark - the student notices the complexity of simcha among other concepts related to Jewish joy
good mark - the student indicates texts from the Hebrew Bible on the subject of simcha
very good mark - the student assigns simcha to selected Jewish holidays and songs and discusses the ideas of Hasidism, citing the subject literature
W2
sufficient mark - the student connects the observance of the commandments with the necessity of practicing simcha
good mark - the student indicates arguments emphasizing the role of simcha in Jewish piety
very good mark - the student cites specific statements of pious Jews on the subject of simcha
U1
sufficient mark - the student acquires basic knowledge about simcha in the scope of morality, the world, songs and Hasidim
good mark - the student interprets the meaning of simcha in three Judaic dimensions
very good mark - the student indicates the conditions of simcha in the three discussed aspects, uses the subject literature
K1
sufficient mark - the student is generally convinced of the influence of simcha on deepening faith in God in Judaism
good grade - the student indicates specific examples of the importance of simcha in Jewish society
very good grade - the student indicates the influence of simcha on the development of Jewish society
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: