Responding to life's challenges

By Yitzchok Friedman

One of my favorite Rabbeim, Rav Yehuda Mandelcorn Z'tl would tell over a very inspiring story every year. The story went as follows. Two competitors were supposed to fly from NY to Cleveland for a very important meeting the next morning.

Due to a lightning storm, all flights to Cleveland were canceled. The first businessman freaked out screaming at every airline representative. He demanded that they find a solution and each and every time that his request was declined got more and more infuriated. He decided to rent a car and drove non-stop to make his meeting at the scheduled time. Arriving huffing and puffing an hour late with a coffee stain on his shirt and in desperate need of a shower. His presentation came out with the positive energy of a twenty-year-old dead battery.

The competitor on the other hand understood things were not going as planned. He asked to speak with the manager of the airline and found out what his options were. He was told that he can reschedule a flight that according to his calculations he will arrive at his scheduled appointment a few hours late. He called the company in Cleveland and explained his unfortunate situation. He pleasantly asked if he can please have his presentation slot switched to the latest possible time.

To his delight, his request was approved. He then took his extra time to go over his presentation and tighten it up, get some rest so that he would come fresh and energetic for the meeting. I think we all know who won the business account.

 Rabbi Mandelcorn would then say in life Never React Always Respond.

This story made a very strong impact on a fellow classmate of mine. He then told me that being aware of this challenge has always given him an edge in the business world. His most profitable business deals were made in the airport business lounge of delayed flights.

In this week’s Parsha Yaakov Avinu is hit with one challenge after another. From Alifaz taking all of his money to get tricked into marriage with Leah instead of Rachel. The way he responds to his challenges is with a healthy attitude.

When we remind ourselves that everything that happens to us is for the good and with divine intervention, life's challenges become just that a change and nothing more.

Opportunities for growth are usually hidden deep inside pathways we were trying our utmost to avoid the most.

Chasidus teaches us that the special unique talent of Yaakov was the ability to transform the most negative situations into the most positive outcomes! The proof of this is that he was the only one of our patriarchs that all of his children were righteous.

Have a wonderful Shabbos.

Yitzchok Friedman