Questions To Rabbi Mandel
Question:
We just had a baby, and the doctor said that the baby may have a deficiency and be like down syndrome. My wife and I are devastated. Is there anything that we could do meanwhile before all the testing is in?
Answer:
You’ve got to be thrilled by this baby! Get out of your head that you came to this world to have all kids of “nachas” and "shm”achas .... you came to this world to accept, and in Shamayim they like that much more than cute kids. Be happy with your situation. A friend of mine had a Down syndrome kid, and Reb Matisyahu Solomon Shlita gave him a whole Shmuess about this point.
Question:
First thing I want to ask if the Rav can comment on the deliciousness of caramels. I hear the Rav speaking of chocolate, and how when people “chill out” and eat chocolate to prevent stress, they see Yeshuos. But caramels are even better!!!
Here is my question. On Shabbos, our fridge (2 years old) began to error, and instead of it being on Shabbos-mode, we had to leave the door open. This was stressful with little kids, but it was maintained. After Shabbos, we checked out the fridge, and realized it wasn't cooling. Sunday, we called the local “Mum’cheh” (professional) (who also has a fair price) and he said he didn't deal with our brand because of the computer digit board. In the end, we called the company, and we found out that we just finished our warranty... so their repairman came down and fixed it for a whopping 1,200 shekels. The question is this: I listen to the Rav's shiurim religiously, I am very into reading a lot on Emuna and Bitachon, newsletters, and books. However, when this happened, I was a mess. I had to take deep breaths, and couldn't respond to my children’s needs. It was very frustrating to organize with neighbors where to put the perishables. I was nervous, and my thoughts weren't straight. Now that the fridge is fixed, I'm calmer. But I look back and think that I failed the test. When I think about an ideal reaction, like "Gam Zu L’tovah", I feel it is not realistic or possible. I am generally positive and grateful for everything I have, but this Matzav threw me in circles. Please let me know the Rav's opinion on this. Perhaps it can help me for future dramatic events.
Answer:
I agree that caramels are better. Just that with chocolates, we have case history. If you see Yeshuos with caramels, let us know!!!
Even if you fail, that’s called passing, because every human being must fail; that’s part of our Avoda. The failure is there to see if you will not get discouraged, and keep moving. Hashem caused the failure to see if you will give up. Now, if you move forward, that means you passed, because you are still in the boxing ring. שֶׁ בַ ע יִפּוֹל צַ דִ יק וָקָ ם משלי כד טז A Tzaddik falls seven times, yet he gets up! You should know that you will keep on failing in this world... unless you are a Malach, and in that case, you don’t belong here. You should thank Hashem for the failure. Say: “I love failure”! (But don’t try to fail again).
You can submit your questions to Rabbi Mandel by emailing them to [email protected]
