How Laughter Gets Us Through Tough Times?

Rabbi YY Rubinstein

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.

In English