"Your son has a half hour to live and your car is being towed away...How to make the best of a bad day" was the title of the speech by Judge Danny Butler of the Pittsburgh Magistrate's Court Wednesday in the Shapiro Campus Center theater. The event was sponsored by Hillel along with the student senate and Associate Dean of Arts and Sciences for Undergraduate Education Elaine Wong. Butler's speech was based on personal experiences and anecdotes. His speech was aimed at giving students insights on ways to enrich their lives and the lives of others, even when dealing with difficult situations.

The speech tied in various Jewish traditions and texts, including and excerpt from Isaiah and a brief and somewhat modernized synopsis of the book of Job. Butler used these texts in order to bring up issues of God and faith.

"In every land, in every community, in every city, in every generation, there will be somebody like (Job)...who teaches us all how to have dignity...it doesn't matter who you are, you're supposed to act this way," he said.

Other issues that Butler addressed in his speech included perseverance through adverse situations, and performing acts of kindness.

"Sometimes, there are things you can give to people that are more important than food," Butler said, as he told a story about his grandfather giving a hug to a child in a concentration camp.

"Who benefits more: a person who gives or a person who gets?" he said.

Butler both began and ended his speech by describing a long road with a brief but magnificent view: "If you're looking the wrong way, or if you're not paying attention, you're going to miss it, and that would be a big shame," he said.

Butler told listeners that opportunities are always around every corner and that often, it is easy to allow opportunities to pass by without even realizing their existence.

Butler discussed a Talmudic (Jewish law) passage that states: "Don't be poor to gain some advantage, or God will grant your wish," by telling a story about asking the school nurse for a "sick pass" for class while attending Yeshiva University. Butler also brought up the notion that things in life happen for a reason. "Every once in a while, God shows his sense of humor, and every once in a while you catch a glimpse of his back," he said.

Students which the Justice talked to were pleased with the speaker.

"I thought he was a very dynamic speaker...he was motivational and gave us insight into how he lives his life, and how we can make the best of ours" Rachel Gershman '06 said.

The event was followed by tabling and discussion held by Hillel's religious life groups in the Shapiro Campus Center Atrium.

Hillel estimated about 100 students attended the lecture.