The mitzva to rejoice involves celebrating with the entire family and including the poor and unfortunate as well. This is not just a pious act, but something the Torah requires: “You shall rejoice in your festival, with your son and daughter, your male and female slave, the Levite, the stranger, the orphan, and the widow in your communities” (Deuteronomy 16:14).
We find this obligation throughout the Torah. Every joyous occasion should include both family members and the poor and lonely. We will now elaborate on these two aspects.
