Yismach Tzaddik
The Joy of the Righteous

Some days in Jerusalem, as I walk the streets and see the life and busyness around me, I find myself reflecting on the deep contrasts of this city — ancient stones and modern buildings, joy and struggle, faith and uncertainty. And yet, in the middle of it all, God’s Word speaks with such clarity and power.

This week, one verse has been echoing in my heart:

“The righteous shall be glad in the Lord and trust in Him; and all the upright in heart shall glory.”

Psalm 64:10

In Hebrew, it says: Yismach tzaddik b’Adonai — the righteous shall rejoice in the Lord. There’s such a richness here. It reminds me that true joy doesn’t come from what we see on the news, or even from whether life is easy or hard. Joy comes from knowing who God is. It comes from trusting Him, even when we don’t understand everything around us.

I know many of you reading this may be walking through challenges — family struggles, financial worries, or simply the weight of everyday life. The psalmist reminds us that even there, especially there, the Lord Himself gives us joy. It’s not something we have to manufacture. It’s His gift to us, a strength that carries us when we can’t carry ourselves.

But the second half of the verse opens up something even more beautiful. In English it says: “the upright in heart shall glory.” But in Hebrew, it says Hallelujah! — literally, “praise the Lord.” There’s a different energy in that word. It’s not a quiet reflection; it’s an outburst of praise. It’s not just for ourselves, either. In Hebrew thought, there’s a sense of community in it — of encouraging and lifting one another up in worship.

I love that picture: when we stand upright before the Lord, when our hearts are set straight toward Him, the natural response is Hallelujah. And that Hallelujah isn’t meant to stay locked inside. It’s meant to inspire the person next to us, to strengthen our brothers and sisters, to remind each other of the goodness of God.

This is what Shabbat is for me. It’s not only a time to rest — though rest is important — but a time to remember and rejoice. A time to say Hallelujah in the middle of life’s ups and downs. A time to worship together and encourage one another, so that no one forgets the joy of the Lord.

Dear friends, my prayer for you this Shabbat is that joy will rise up fresh in your heart. That you’ll look beyond the struggles of the week and see the goodness of God in your life. That His Spirit of Hallelujah will fill your home, your family, and your conversations.

So wherever you are reading this, take a deep breath, lift your eyes to Him, and let your heart say: Hallelujah! The righteous shall be glad in the Lord, and all the upright in heart shall glory.

From Jerusalem, I send you blessings, joy, and the peace of Shabbat. Shabbat Shalom!

Blessings,
Pastor Israel Poctar

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