Is it permissible to enjoy Life?
Question
Shalom uVracha.
There is an issue I wanted to clarify.
I heard that a person is punished in the World to Come for enjoying this world, because physical pleasures create kelipos on the soul.
Does this mean that it is forbidden to enjoy anything in this world?
Is it forbidden to enjoy food and drink, reading books, or doing enjoyable activities, is that considered a sin?
And as a woman, how can I fill my time with doming things that are leshem Shamayim?
I feel very confused about this topic.
How can a person be saved from punishment in the Beis Din Shel Ma'aloh?
Answer
Shalom uVracha,
A person is not punished for enjoying the pleasures of this world. Punishment is only for actual sins, and enjoying life is not a sin!
The Torah gives importance and even the status of a mitzvah to many types of enjoyment, and when they are done in the right time and setting, they become a true mitzvah. Examples include eating on Shabbos and Yom Tov, pas shacharis, marriage, the joy of Shabbos and Yom Tov, and many others.
Even when something isn’t a mitzvah on its own, a calm and healthy lifestyle will enable somone to later do mitzvot. When a person enjoys things in a balanced and controlled way, and it brings calm and happiness, it actually helps them serve Hashem properly. Someone who is sad or depressed cannot serve Hashem with joy.
The only problem is when a person runs after pleasure at the expense of their physical or spiritual responsibilities.
Live a healthy, calm, and joyful life, with a general intention to fulfill Hashem’s will – and with that, every moment becomes a fulfillment of His will.
(I emphasize that this should be a general life goal, not something you need to consciously think about every moment.)
