Happiness

Israeli youth maintain positive moods amid global life satisfaction crisis, war - opinion

"In Israel, the reality encountered within the IDF is harsh, but ultimately produces something far healthier - far more communal and meaningful," researcher Anat Fanti says.

People attend a drag performance in an underground parking lot used as a protected space in Tel Aviv, amid the war with Iran and Hezbollah and ongoing rocket fire toward Israel.
A man brandish Israeli flags following an Iranian strike in Givatayim, in the center of Israel on March 6, 2026.

Israel ranks eighth globally in 2026 World Happiness Index despite war

Living according to our true nature preserves energy and brings happiness, while inauthenticity drains it.

Following your own path: The source of energy we need to live happily

A YOUNG woman celebrates her birthday with a cake along the Tel Aviv beach promenade despite the ongoing war with Iran and missile fire toward Israel, March 5, 2026.

Israel ranks eighth in World Happiness Report despite war, young Israelis place third globally


Connecting with friends and staying happy, despite the challenges

As per the most recent UN happiness survey, Israelis are the fourth-happiest people out of 130 nations.

Resilience and a sense of community contribute to our happiness.

New flamenco show Darabar to hit Jerusalem after delay due to Hamas war

We could all do with some positive vibes as things stand, and the Pessachs and their flamenco troupe might just have a happiness elixir to offer us. 

 Ethiopian-born multidisciplinary artist Dege Feder (3rd L) and Remangar dance company director Keren Pessach (2nd R) dive into the flamenco action.

Israel perfectly embodies the essence of ‘happiness’ - opinion

The great pain caused by the seizing of hostages and the loss of life of soldiers has energized us to do something about them.

 A SOLDIER walks past an Israeli flag that is adorned with a heart, in Tel Aviv. Mandatory service for most of our population, especially when such service is often life threatening, seems not to impede happiness, the writer says.

Israelis are fifth happiest in the world despite ongoing war, report finds

This year's ranking and previous years measured happiness and subjective well-being based on three factors: life evaluation, positive emotions, and negative emotions.

Preschool children from the southern city of Ashkelon, celebrating with the Israeli flag, on 18 April, 2010 the Independence Day.

The season of Joy and Happiness - opinion

One of the positives in this time of war has been the abundance of kindness being done both in Israel and abroad. It not only helps the happiness of the recipients, but of the givers as well.

 SHOPPERS LOOK at costumes on display at a shop in Tel Aviv, ahead of Purim. It isn’t the time for elaborate gatherings, parties or luxury vacations. Still, we can celebrate our redemptions of the past with the hope for redemption in the near future, says the writer.

Keep good news a secret, scientists say it will make you feel energized

A study found that keeping good news a secret can make people feel energized and alive, regardless of whether they intend to share that information later with someone or not.

 An illustrative image of two women sharing a secret.

To overcome the darkness of war, embrace joy, faith, Torah values - opinion

Despite the unimaginable pain and loss we are experiencing, truth will prevail; and joy, rooted in deep faith, has the power to overcome what seems to be an impossible challenge.

 THE SUN in Tuscany seemed so harsh, suddenly.

When do people feel the most satisfaction, contentedness in their lives?

One would think that the age at which most people are happiest is when they are young, look their best, and have their strength, but researchers found a different answer.

 FOCUS ON the positive in others.

Sukkot: The Jewish holiday where God commands you to be happy - opinion

Commemorating the holiday in which we are commanded to be happy is something we cherish.

 A MAN walks past a row of ‘sukkot,’ temporary dwellings, already built ahead of the holiday, on a street in the Mea She’arim neighborhood, in Jerusalem, last week.

Why is Yom Kippur the happiest day of the year? - opinion

Barring an extreme sadomasochist personality, how could knowing one’s life is on the line make this day not only happy – but the happiest day of the year?

 VA'ANI TEFILATI (Yoram Raanan)