Laughing Through Setbacks: The Jewish Art of Failure Appreciation

In a few days, we will celebrate Purim. Is it even allowed to be silly, to be loud, to behave exuberantly in these times? Yes, I think that’s a good idea. It is a way to review the past several times a year and to take the failures in our private and business environment with humor. Perhaps it is this way of dealing with disasters that the rest of the world can learn from us. There are enough other days to celebrate the successes and victories — and certainly more wine. I don’t know if this balancing act between cheerfulness and melancholy is a good response to life’s challenges, but my grandmother (זיכרונו לברכה / of blessed memory) taught me this lesson.

Humor has always been a cornerstone of Jewish culture, offering a unique perspective on life’s challenges, including failure. Instead of succumbing to disappointment, Jews have a tradition of using wit, irony, and self-deprecation to confront setbacks with laughter.

Sometimes I think my grandmother invented this way. At least that’s what I believed as a child. Today I know that it wasn’t like that. However, she invented the best chocolate pudding that I have ever eaten to date. Even when the milk burned, she laughed about it. At least the entire kitchen wasn’t burned.

Central to this humor is the “schlemiel”, a character who embodies perpetual misfortune. Rather than being ashamed of failure, the schlemiel’s antics invite laughter and self-reflection, turning setbacks into opportunities for humor. I think we need more “schlemiels” in politics and certainly in stock exchanges and financial centers worldwide.

The saying “Man plans, and G-d laughs” encapsulates the Jewish acknowledgment of life’s unpredictability. This sentiment is echoed in Jewish comedy, from the Yiddish theater to modern stand-up routines, where failure is embraced as a universal experience.

Purim, a holiday celebrating the salvation of the Jewish people, exemplifies this approach. Through irony and absurdity, the Purim story becomes a source of joyous celebration, reminding Jews to find humor even in the face of tragedy. Complaining and kvetching is another aspect of Jewish humor. Instead of dwelling on negativity, kvetching is done with confidence and humor, fostering connection and camaraderie.

In essence, the Jewish humorous way of dealing with failure is rooted in resilience, optimism, and self-awareness. By embracing failure with humor, Jews turn setbacks into moments of laughter and growth, finding comfort and camaraderie along the way.

If we simply allow more humor into our lives, we also accept that failure is a part of success.

The original article was published on March 6, 2024 in the US Online Magazine “Write A Catalyst”