Have you ever heard of a tune entitled “Que Sera Sera”? It was popularized by a singer named Doris Day. The refrain goes like this:

Que sera sera,

Whatever will be will be.

The future’s not ours to see,

Que sera sera,

What will be will be.

While listening to this beautiful melody, I wondered whether the expression “what will be will be” originated from the Yiddish proverb, “Voss veht zine veht zine,” which is the exact translation. This proverb was uttered whenever there were unsettling situations within families or communities, as well as other tsoress (troubles) – and there were many.

After reviewing the history of the song, I noticed that it was written by two Yiddelach, Ray Evans (son of Philip and Frances Lipsitz Evans) and Harold Livingston (originally Jacob Harold Levison). So it is possible.

To further become familiar with the concept – whether expressed in Spanish or Yiddish – here are a few maises (tales) that include the proverb:

Tale #1

Sidney and Pearl Zetzer managed a food store in a middle class neighborhood. One morning, a customer, one James Pinto, walked into the store and ordered a variety of foods for the forthcoming marriage of his daughter Gloria. Preparations were made for the feast. It was soon rumored, however that the groom, one Elmer Shandy, was suddenly was afflicted with “cold feet.” Alas, the rumor was correct. The following day James shlepped back (returned) the food.

Needless to mention, the condition of the food was fahrfoilt, meaning that the salads were wilted, the meats smelly, and the fruits had seen better days, so to speak.

“I want my money back!” shouted James.

“No way, Hozay,” countered Sidney. Soon, a battle took place, which resulted in Sidney refunding the money since he was not a fighter and because, in a fit of anger, James flung a chair at him, resulting in a broken bone in his arm. The police were notified, and citations were issued to both James and Sidney.

Several weeks passed, and a trial was scheduled. Sidney was upset, fearing more financial problems. “Zorg nit (don’t worry),” uttered his wife Sureleh. “Trust in the Ribono Shel Olam (G-d), and voss veht zine veht zine, what will be will be. The judge ruled in Sidney’s favor, and James, who struck the first blow, was ordered to pay for the spoiled food plus damages.

Tale #2

Benjy Shtarker was an up and coming athlete who worked out several times a week. His routine included dozens of push-ups. weight lifting, and running for several miles. His ambition was to become a champion weight lifter – ayn klaynikite ( a big deal)!

After winning several awards as a weight lifter, he prepared for a world championship match against Ivan Kilehlovich, a favorite Russian weight lifter. The match began, and whenever Ivan raised the heavy weights, he gave a geshrey (yell), “Oooooo!!”

The contest continued, and it was Benjy’s turn to lift the weights. He did so, and like a Yiddle, he gave a geshrey of “Oy vay!” However, returning the heavy weights to the ground appeared to be impossible because his arm muscles locked. Suddenly he remembered the Yiddish proverb that was engrained in his mind. Of course, the proverb was voss veht zine veht zine! As if by magic, the verbalizing the proverb loosened his muscles, and down came the weights. Did he win the match? you may ask. Avahdeh (certainly)!

Tale #3

Beryl Kahliker owned a business located in a neighborhood that produced daily murderous shootings, similar to our City that Reads. One gray day, a thug entered the firm and demanded money. Beryl recognized the outlaw, a former schoolmate, one Zindle Smith. Rather than cowering in fear, Beryl began giving Zindle a mussar shmooz (admonishment) using words that he once heard from his rebbi many years ago. He ended the mussar by shouting, “Voss veht zine fuhn deer, Zindle? (What will become of you, Zindle)?”

Zindle’s response was, “Vss veht zine veht zine, what will be, will be. Give me your money or else!”

“Or else what?” shouted Beryl. “Our old friendship is over?”

Surprisingly – and difficult to understand – amoliker Yidden (Jews of yesteryear), the money was handed over. Yidden remain brothers no matter what – and the money was eventually returned.

Ah klal (to sum up), we all encounter challenging issues in our lives. When difficulties arise, it is helpful to put forth our best efforts to resolve them, followed by the que sera sera philosophy, leaving the outcome up to the Ribono Shel Olam (G-d).