Video: Why Sukkot Now?

Torah Reading: Vayikra

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Published: September 19, 2010

About the Author

Rabbi Yaakov Salomon

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Rabbi Yaakov Salomon, C.S.W. is a noted psychotherapist, in private practice in Brooklyn, N.Y. for over 25 years. He is a Senior Lecturer and the Creative Director of Aish Hatorah's Discovery Productions. He is also an editor and author for the Artscroll Publishing Series and a member of the Kollel of Yeshiva Torah Vodaath.

Rabbi Salomon is co-author, with Rabbi Noah Weinberg, of the best selling book "What the Angel Taught You; Seven Keys to Life Fulfillment," (Mesorah), and is also the co-producer of the highly-acclaimed film, "Inspired."

Click here to order Yaakov Salomon's new book, Salomon Says: 50 Stirring and Stimulating Stories.

In these marvelous stories -- brimming with wit, understanding, a touch of irony and a large helping of authentic Torah perspective -- we will walk with a renowned and experienced psychotherapist and popular author through the pathways of contemporary life: its crowded sidewalks, its pedestrian malls, and the occasional dead end street. This is a walk through our lives that will be fun, entertaining -- and eye-opening. In our full -- sometimes overfull -- and complex lives, Yaakov Salomon is a welcome and much-needed voice of sanity and reason.

His speaking, writing and musical talents have delighted audiences from Harvard to Broadway and everything in between. Rabbi Salomon shares his life with his wife, Temmy, and their unpredictable family.

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Visitor Comments: 3

(3) Chana, September 27, 2010 12:07 AM

This is the best succos I have ever spent!

I really enjoyed this video because I do believe that Hashem does wake us up at different times in our lives to his existence. This is 2010 and I am constantly thinking now about my destiny in life. We are in a new decade and it is imperative that we all change for the better within Klal Yisrael. Not just as individuals, but as a wonderful group of people. How can we change? This is a very special time of Teshuvah and mitzvohs. Technology is becoming more and more useful and very user-friendly. Sure, we must watch our children and what all of us use technology for. If we use it for business or tremendous communication with people around the world in the best way, then we can manage our relationships with each other for the best. I really am enjoying my succos this year with my family because we are looking to make great changes this year. G-d is sending out messages everywhere we honestly look for them. It means we must thrive in our lives. Our sukkah actually stood up threw a storm the first night too!

(2) Harriet Wolpoff, September 21, 2010 8:40 PM

I very much appreciated the connection between dependence/teshuva with Sukkot. In discussing the traditional reasons for the timing of the holiday, what about the grape harvest? I have had grape vines for a few years, with a bumper crop this year. Since it seemed all the grapes got ripe at the same time, and within a few days began to ferment on the vine, I could appreciate the need to build sukkot/huts in the fields.

(1) Alan S., September 19, 2010 9:51 AM

The issue of the role of technology in our lives is frequently found on Aish. I believe it is best that we use technology to enhance our lives, and prefer not to think that "technology has taken over our lives". Of course, technology can 'de-personalize' our lives if, we permit it to happen. And sadly there are definitely some people whose lives have been 'taken over' by technology. But, for the most part, people who are responsible use technology to have better lives. Sukkot, as the Rabbi notes, reminds us that, while technology can even bring us closer to HaShem, it can not substitute for the personal relationship we must develop with our Creator.