Smiling is at the root of who we are as human beings. In fact, it's the very first thing parents take pride in when they monitor their infant's development.
A baby, long before it even begins to communicate verbally and physically, feels the message of a smile instinctively and almost always responds in kind.
Rabbi Yisrael Salanter taught that the face of a person is considered public property and one should always smile at everyone. A sour face can damage the mood of others and we are never allowed to inflict damage to others. How much happier would the world be if we all smiled at each other?
This is exactly what Ethics of the Fathers (5:15) has in mind when it says "Accept all people with a pleasant face."
Have you ever wondered why it is that when we wish to show warmth and friendliness to another person, we instinctively smile and reflexively display our teeth? If we were creating the body would you suggest opening your mouth and showing your teeth as a way to show friendship? Why did God make our bodies react in this manner? Why is displaying our teeth associated with being open and pleasant?
A hint may be found in the following Midrash about teeth.
Just as the strength of a person is held within his teeth (if one has no teeth or weak teeth, he cannot eat, and gain strength -ed.), so too, the strength of the Jewish people is found within the Torah. (Yalkut Shimoni)
Teeth are linked here to wisdom.
According to mystical sources there are 32 paths of wisdom. So too there are 32 sources of wisdom within a person (found in the head) which are channeled to each one of the entire set of 32 adult teeth. The number 32 has the numerical value, gematria, of the Hebrew word lev, which means heart. This means that our 32 teeth represent what is in our heart.
Teeth are linked to the heart and to wisdom. What does this all mean?
Smiling is a symbol of our willingness to open ourselves up to others.
The wisdom of a human being begins with thoughts in the heart, but if it remains there the wisdom is self-serving. In order for that wisdom to make the world a better place it needs to be expressed through the mouth. When we open our mouths and speak we share ourselves with the world. Smiling is a symbol of our willingness to open ourselves up to others.
Our many teeth represent the many thoughts that run through our heads; thoughts which have the potential to help others, to make a positive impact upon those around us and indeed the entire world. When we open our mouths and smile at someone we are communicating the following message: "I want to show you what is inside of me." When we smile and display our teeth, we are showing others that there's a lot inside that we want to share.
Whether we realize it or not, when we smile we are showing a glimpse of our wisdom. God created us so that when we are happy we smile, we laugh, we show our teeth. This is as if to say, "I am in a wonderful mood. I feel the grandeur of life. I am happy to be alive in this world. Thus, I am showing my teeth to the world -- and through my teeth, I am displaying my wisdom. I have a precious role to play in this world by tapping into and utilizing my wisdom and sharing it with others. This is why I'm smiling; this is the reason I am showing you my teeth."
When we greet someone, we are supposed to smile at them. Smiling exhibits our kindness and openness to relate to another person. When I frown I close my mouth tightly; I hide my teeth. I am saying that I do not wish to open myself or my wisdom up to anyone. But when I smile, I say to my fellow man, "Yes, I want to get to know you. I want to share my wisdom, my insights, my personal contributions to this world with you. I am showing you my teeth, the window to my world and my wisdom, and I want you to partake in what I have to offer."
As Denis Waitley said, "A smile is the light in your window that tells others that there is a caring, sharing person inside."
(13) Yerushalam wud'u, May 25, 2018 8:20 PM
No encounter is random …
Dear Rabbi Cohen, Shalom! Because GOD is the world’s best strategist in eternity, HE orchestrated my viewing your article on this day. GOD loves us because HE is love. My prayer is that in 2018AD, when the hearts of mankind seems to be far from GOD’s original creative purpose, yes, our hearts will once again turn towards GOD Almighty!
(12) Yerushalam wud'u, May 25, 2018 7:54 PM
Gematria, numerical value of lev is 32 and …
Dear Rabbi Leff, The gamatria for kavod, glory is 32 as well. My prayer is that whenever we open our mouth, the Glory of our FATHER is manifested because we have tarried with our FATHER daily and His Glows shines from within us, His Beloved Children.
(11) Tammy, March 4, 2012 9:19 PM
Smiling
I look at the teeth being shown if we have any to show, as just an added extra bonus to those who get to see them. They are a hiding in plain sight extra gem that goes along with a smile. Sometimes I choose not to show my teeth when I smile, but they are still some of the greatest smiles I have to offer.
(10) Anonymous, March 17, 2011 3:39 AM
this made me feel a lot better about all the years i have had braces. I now see them as years spent beautifying my teeth to show wisdom to the world in a pleasant manner.
(9) Sarah, January 11, 2010 4:28 PM
Happy
Thank you. Simply beautiful.
(8) Anonymous, December 27, 2007 1:18 PM
Teeth/Heart 2
It has also been found in studies that If a person has a heart attack R"L, the same bacteria from gum disease is found in the heart. So take care of you teeth and show them off!
(7) Richard, December 20, 2007 8:52 AM
World needs more smiles!
Thank you so much for this gentle reminder. Being reminded that we all have an effect on the world and using a smile to share ourselves and our acceptance and love of others will only promote a healthier world. This article should be one of those email chain letters forwarded to everyone. We all need reminders of the power of a smile. Again, thank you for sharing.
(6) katherine, December 10, 2007 8:29 AM
Smile, with or without teeth
I agree smiles go a long way, but I take issue with your dentist-like obsession of teeth. While they are important, to downplay a smile that doesn't have them is to lessen the value. Babies have no teeth. God bless them, some elderly people no longer have teeth and some people are ashamed of their teeth because they are too poor to get proper dental care and they do not display their teeth. The elderly and poor may have many pearls of wisdom, despite their lack of teeth.
I understand you were going by scripture, but surely it's what's behind the smile -- the heart and soul -- that counts more than teeth! A smile is a treasure, however one does it.
(5) Anonymous, December 2, 2007 8:59 PM
Teeth/Heart
This really was a beautiful article- thank you!
Just as a side point, there is also medically a link between gum health and heart health. (Someone who is on heart medication must take certain precautions before having dental work.)
Thank you again for another wonderful insight to an often overseen activity!
(4) Gretchen Serota, M.D., December 2, 2007 4:36 PM
Thanks for making me smile!
Most us us realize that our expressions, such as our smile, reflect our emotions and in turn affect ourselves and others. Rabbi Leff makes some intriging and insightful comments to this phenomenon and gives us even more reason to "show our teeth."
(3) ruth housman, December 2, 2007 3:35 PM
from the heart
It's interesting that miles is in the word smiles and I do agree that a smile will go a LONG WAY and it's very important to smile. Besides, it's contagious and we all need levity. Now lev itself is contained by Levity and Lev in Hebrew as just explicated means "heart".
So smile and the world will smile with you. Positivity is contagious as is laughter and we need them both in spades because life is a "mine" field in so many ways.
(2) Anonymous, December 2, 2007 1:24 PM
I agree -True - Especially towards famiy and friends.
Thank you very much! Your comments are OFTEN helpful and uplifting for me.
My Comment: As well as being a mitzvah, I agree this is appropriate MOST OF THE TIME but not ALWAYS.
I personally WOULDN'T smile at anyone that might (realistically) pose present or future danger or encourage inappropriate behavior. I WOULDN'T give a smile that might tease, or invite interest in me from just ANYONE. ---
I would try to smile, especially towards family and friends, even when relationships are strained - This might help the situation!
I think your essay and midrash is VERY helpful and APPROPRIATE.
Thank you very much! I appreciate you helpful and loving service!
(I am smiling at you.)
(1) Sarah, December 2, 2007 12:04 PM
Beautiful!
Thank you for such an inspiring article!