Vayimaen - Why Not Ride the Golf Cart? | Rabbi Fischel Schachter

Short Summary

Main recommendation: Protect your eyes (Shemiras Einayim) and keep your emotional response in check, because doing so can turn a frustrating encounter into a source of blessing. The speaker describes an airport security ordeal over a frozen cappuccino and his religious items, and how a shift from anger to trust in God changed the outcome.

Key Points

• A friend gave the speaker a frozen cappuccino before his flight, and the security officer confiscated it because it had melted to liquid ("mush") after being crushed.
• Security searched his bag and removed his Shtreimel, Atara, and Shabbos Tallis, and he worried he might be arrested.
• He suppressed a sarcastic urge and responded politely instead, and after packing up his things he paused to turn to God, asking for help to protect his eyes from improper sights.
• A different uniformed staff member offered him a golf cart ride to the gate, which he accepted with his eyes closed.
• The speaker concludes that his anger was misdirected, since God controls events, and that his own way of seeing can shape how others treat him.

Details Worth Noting

• Concrete instructions: The speaker does not give a formal step-by-step procedure, but he describes a practical approach: when a frustrating situation arises, stop reacting angrily, respond politely, pause to turn to God, and focus on controlling your own eyes and conduct rather than the other person's behavior. He also notes that if you keep your own eyes in check, others' stricter attitudes may soften.
• The security sign at the checkpoint said liquids are not allowed, but directly beneath it said frozen items are permitted; the officer disagreed and crushed the cappuccino.
• The speaker's Shtreimel (fur hat) was mistaken for a suspicious item, and he was asked whether it contained metal or iron.
• He asked to speak to a supervisor, but no supervisor came, so he packed his items himself and hurried to the gate.
• Staff asked the speaker if he wanted a golf cart ride; when he asked why, the reply was that they ask all older people.

Bottom Line

Reacting to irritation with prayer and self-control, rather than anger, is presented as the path to a better outcome, even in a stressful airport situation.