Earthquakes, Hasidim and Alarm Clocks

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Published: June 3, 2006

Visitor Comments: 9

(9) FernandoOcumarez, November 1, 2006 3:43 AM

After reviwing your videos, this one included of course, I made up my mind Rabbi Salomon; YOU ARE MY WAKE UP CALL!!!. Thanks a lot for your wonderful messages.

(8) FernandoOcumarez, October 23, 2006 11:48 PM

It's incredible how you can turn what seems to be a simple reflection of life's events into a well nurtured lecture. I'll send my answer later but, in the meantime; GREAT JOB!!!!!

(7) Scott Granowski, August 4, 2006 12:00 AM

Wake Up Call

HaShem has given me so many wake up calls. My problem isn't the reception of wake up calls; my problem is my snooze button. Thanks for a reminder of the importance of serving.

(6) Scharné, June 10, 2006 12:00 AM

You guys are one blessed nation

You guys have no idea what impact your lives are too us, non-jews.Just by living your lives you guys inspire us to go on in life no what happens, you have shown us that G-D is there keeping His hand over those who live for him I will keep on praying for your nation and one day in heaven you guys will be blessed I am 15 turning 16 in July and I just want to tell you guys that I may be a non-jew but in my heart I feel like one of you
love Scharné

(5) Michael G Noble, June 9, 2006 12:00 AM

The Sleeper

Very interesting message you have received as well as given. Thank you, it was exactly what I needed to hear. I find that if we first believe that HaShem is in control of all things, then it is easy to see the truth you have passed on to us is what we need to hear. Now I will pray that I can find a way to apply, or to "do" what I need to do to, to be obedient to this message you have given. Thank you for your words.
Michael G Noble

(4) Anonymous, June 9, 2006 12:00 AM

I like Daniela's response...

Rabbi Salomon, as usual, makes each of think about his words carefully. Daniela's response is fine, but too much of a direct retort to Rabbi Salomon, who only asked us a rhetorical question.

(3) Yehuda, June 6, 2006 12:00 AM

response to hurricane season..

I don't agree that we should return to G-d, becuase there was an earthquake or hurricane, we are supposed to do teshuvah out of love not fear!!
Or is it, that thats the ideal way and fear as a motivator is fine- "loh lishma-not the highest motivation"?? If anyone has an answer i would love to hear it...

(2) Daniela, June 5, 2006 12:00 AM

One blaring question...

Sorry, but this reminds me of the articles and comments that appeared on Aish.com after the Tsunami. How come we don't think of Indonesia as having gotten a wake-up call ?? Why is it always *our* wake-up call ? Are people on that side of the world not capable of being responsible for their actions ? Are they not capable of hearing HaShem tell them, "Change your ways, you anti-Israel Jew-haters!" ?? I'm sorry, but as horrible as it is when such large numbers of people die, I'm tired of suggestions that anything that I have done or the way I live my life has any reverberations in a part of the world that has a lot to learn about Chesed and living well with other people !

Now, I have indeed had wake-up calls in my life that I did take heed to, and I've seen many wake-up calls happen in this country that I wish others would wake-up to. But catastophes in other countries however much they can give us pause, have to be thought of as just as much of a wake-up call to the people they happen to, as to us. I just never see it said, because they're too often underdeveloped peoples in underdeveloped countries. Quite frankly, there are times I feel that we brush way too close to racism when we do this. All human beings are responsible for their own actions, and it's high time we expected more of people.

Other than that, I loved the story of the Chasid and the Blacksmith. :)

(1) Margarita, June 4, 2006 12:00 AM

very inspiring

very inspiritng, one of the best so far

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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.