The Hebrew language has many words to describe happiness. According to Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, ‘osher’ (אשר) refers to the personal happiness that one experiences, such as when listening to music or observing something spectacular in nature. ‘Simkha’ (שמחה), on the other hand, is happiness that is created in the company of others, such as when celebrating at a wedding or laughing as a family. In this verse, Isaiah promises that the ransomed of the Lord will return with an everlasting joy, ‘simkhat olam,’ upon their heads. The collective joy of the redemption, of the nation returning to God and to the Holy Land, will be everlasting. Bring tremendous joy and happiness to the people of Israel who need it most.
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