DEUT829 Though Judaism makes the idea of a Holy God the mainspring of noble conduct, it has avoided the pitfalls of the ancient systems. For it has not made life austere and joyless, begrudging man of life and laughter. The Shechinah only dwells in the spirit that knoweth the joy of successful achievement; and it is only gladness that brings man nearer to God. "And thou shall rejoice before the Lord thy God " [this verse] and again: "And thou shalt rejoice in thy festival ..." (Deuteronomy 16:14). Rabbi Berokha, who prided himself on his austerity, was told by Elijah that, of the crowds he beheld in the marketplace one day, those destined for eternal life in the World to Come would be two jesters. Why? Because they employed every means to cheer the depressed and to increase the world's tale of joy. (Taanit 22a). By this joyous discipline, Judaism sought to impress upon man that his body should become a ready servant of his will, performing with ease and pleasure all the work that, as a mechanism, it is capable of doing. ... (Continued at [[LEV648]] Leviticus xix. 18 love LEHRMAN 28-29).