I used to live in a country that was not my own, way back in the previous millenium. During part of that time I had the privilege of living in a Jewish shtetl called Brooklyn. Perhaps you've heard of it. Each day that passed safely I was thrilled that the goyim let me stay there.
I knew that it was my Constitutional right to pursue happiness. When I was mugged in broad daylight - at 1:45 PM - on Flatbush Avenue, near Long Island University, I knew that it was something I would just have to accept, in return for the privilege of living in the greatest country in the world. Not everybody can merit the opportunity of being mugged in the States.
Is this the lifelong dream of today's Jews? Apparently so. I can prove it. I now have the privilege of living quietly and peacefully among my own people in Israel, but I'm asked by Americans how I can possibly be happy in Israel!
Why can't we Jews allow ourselves to be happy? Why must we be so critical of our own country? Why can't we forgive the excesses or mistakes committed by Israel in the same way we can forgive the excesses in the States? Why can't we be objective and forgiving about Israel, the way we are objective and forgiving about the States?
Ask Israelis how they are doing, or try to strike up a conversation about family, work or politics. They are afraid to admit that they are happy, and that things are going well. At best, you may receive a muted answer that everything is so-so.
This is surprising, because it conflicts with the law that prohibits people from speaking evil about the Land of Israel.
Perhaps the reason is the fact that many people are influenced by another issue.
According to Jewish lore, good things attract the Evil Eye. People avoid that problem by being cautious about saying things that are too good.
However, by carrying the lore too far, people may forget the prohibition against speaking evil of the Land of Israel. They no longer see the need to handle their conversation with moderation, and they choose to exaggerate the negative aspect.
Yes, those two conflicting injunctions are both legitimate. Neither one should be minimized or ignored.
Because our Jewish law does not teach us to complain all the time about How Bad It Is.
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Keywords: Complaining, Happiness, Security, Slander
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