One of the best things about Judaism, which is a religion, culture and peoplehood, is that there are so many different points of access and connection. I’ve found that what brings one Jew simcha (Jewish joy) may not light up his Jewish friend.

Here are ten different types of happy Jews (just in time for Purim!). Which one or two types would you categorize yourself as? I’m #4 and #5. Please note: of course an individual Jew can feel happiness from, and identify with, multiple aspects of Judaism (this is probably ideal, in fact). But most Jews seem to have an area or two that makes them especially happy. Let’s be honest, though, we are all kind of #2 😊

1. Tikkun Olam Jews – nothing makes these Jews happier than repairing our very broken world. They have the biggest smiles when they are donating money to charities, organizing the shul’s tzedaka day, or strategizing on how to save the whales

2. Lox and Bagel Jews – these Jews are ecstatic just thinking about nosh. They know where to find the best bagels, the softest challah and falafel that is to die for. Lox and Bagel Jews understand the difference between jachnun and malawach, and have definitive opinions on the #1 Kosher place in NYC, as well as the tastiest hummus in Israel.

3. Larry David Jews – pop culture Jews love to track Larry David’s latest awkward situation, watch Mayim Bialik in The Big Bang Theory and crack up at Amy Schumer’s stand-up. These Jews are always deadly accurate with a “Did you know s/he’s Jewish?” comment about an actor/comedian/singer.

4. Swaying Jews – believe it or not, some Jews actually LOVE to pray! Often these Jews are referred to as Gabbai. A feeling of connection with the Master of the Universe can definitely lead to contentment and happiness.

5. Ben Gurion Jews – they love all things Israel: the culture, Hebrew (even if they aren’t proficient yet), food, beautiful scenery/natural wonder, people, political chaos…just the overall experience. As a person who made Aliyah nearly 17 years ago and considers it one of the best decisions of my life, I can totally relate. Israel creates a lot of simcha!

6. Jewish Geography Jews – these people remain Jewish just for the “Jewish geography.” “Oh, you’re from Miami? My Uncle Sol had a cousin who used to live in Miami whose name was…” Feeling at one with the overall group provides a sense of rootedness and connection that leads to contentment.

7. Tough Jews – some Jews find their calling in the Israeli army and put their lives on the line daily for the State of Israel and its inhabitants. Other Jews dedicate themselves to countering crazy and aggressive anti-Semites online and in person. An amazing feeling of simcha is generated from the knowledge that one is helping to protect the Jewish people!

8. Masada Jews – these Jews are obsessed with Jewish history and can’t read enough about Biblical times, archeology, the first and second Temple periods, Jewish life in the shtetl and Arab countries, the Holocaust, the early days of the state of Israel and the wars, etc. Many of these Jews become professors, or writers.

9. Hanukkah Jews – some Jews find their greatest happiness during Jewish holidays. Who isn’t nostalgic for Bubbe’s matza balls, or lighting the menorah and playing dreidel? There’s an interesting discussion to be had about why some Jews seem to favor the heavier holidays (Yom Kippur, Tisha B’Av) while others like the frivolity and joy of Purim and Sukkot.

10. People of the Book Jews – these Jews can’t stop learning about Judaism! There is some overlap here with #8, but People of the Book Jews love learning about all aspects of Judaism: the religion, the history, the culture, the languages, the songs, etc. Many people from this type become educators or Rabbis.

Well, there you have it! Which type of happy Jews are you? Did I miss a category? Maybe #11 should be Mussar Jews – Jews who love refining their character traits?

Regardless of which type of happy Jews you are, I wish you a lifetime of simcha. Happy Purim!