Torah Reading: Be'halot'cha

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One Volatile Week

by Rabbi Yaakov Salomon

Amidst insecurity and trepidation, how to prepare for Rosh Hashana this year.

Published: September 20, 2008
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Visitor Comments: 9

(9) Eli Cohen, October 1, 2008 9:21 PM

Gevaldig!

Very powerful! The Bais Yisroel says that one should always work on giving inspiration to others and that will help you getting inspiration yourself.

(8) laylu sokol, September 26, 2008 5:40 PM

Great Stuff!

As always thanks for the booster shot! :-)

(7) Shari, September 25, 2008 2:35 PM

Thanks so much for your constant inspiration. I believe that another thing we can do during these very uncertain times is work on strengthening our Emunah in HaShem and trust that He knows what is best for us especially as we are getting closer to Rosh HaShana.

(6) Shai, September 24, 2008 9:01 PM

Inspiring, I could have used this years ago

This was a very inspiring video, Its a shame the same reaction didn't occur over the offshoring of blue collar manufacturing jobs, or IT jobs, which were los tin far greater numbers than the current situation has caused.

(5) moshe, September 23, 2008 6:52 PM

Thank You

You might never know who I am- but i appreciate what you do. Thanks for inspiring us!

(4) Debora, September 23, 2008 5:34 AM

Good and Sweet New Year

Thank You for insightful thoughts and inspiration... Thank You for being around and caring to share wisdom... I still very vividly remember your words when You have said that studying Torah really brings joy and satisfaction to one's life. That was about what kind of job one should choose and how it is related to happiness in life. Thank You for everything! Shana Tova Um'Tukah

(3) Sheli B., September 21, 2008 5:30 PM

Thank you!

Thank you for this wonderful, enlightening video....it was a real spiritual boost for me.

(2) Russell, September 21, 2008 1:07 PM

"Anything that is or was a fixture is not." How very true that statement is, and what a moving message this was! I live on the Gulf Coast of Texas near the Louisiana border, where Hurricane Ike just made landfall, and I viewed the statement literally, not figuratively. I was one of the fortunate ones that had little damage to my house, however, some areas are gone, wiped clean from the face of the earth -- beachfront places we enjoyed as children and beautiful landmarks are no longer here. While other parts of the country are having economic problems, people here lost money, too, but they also lost their homes, jobs, dreams, and, in some cases, their lives. What has helped me, along with many others, is doing just what you said -- helping others in this time of need. It's easy to look at the negative effect of this event, but finding the positives has also been simple. While material concerns have been absent and rendered fairly meaningless since the storm hit, the importance and beauty of basics (friends, family, water, ice, food, electricity...), which was often taken for granted, has been re-emphasized. While we're helping each other repair what has been lost, I am thankful for the many things that still remain, and thankful for your wonderful message.

(1) Rosen, September 21, 2008 4:07 AM

jobs and networking

Given that Wall Street has been extremely volatile this past week, it's probably a grim reminder of how destructive and corrupt greed and selfishness can be, especially by corporate CEOs who get away with either millions or billions while the people who work for them are casted out into the street. Many wonder with the tremendous deficit, how everyone expects to pay for it, given that fewer and fewer jobs are available. Rabbi Solomon was very spot-on this week, and as usual, so that we can get more refreshed for the new year. I am currently working seasonally, but may soon find permanent work elsewhere, since I will most likely go for a 2nd interview sometime soon, so I should have that going for me along with the resources I have - G-d-willing a good sign for the new year - 5769. As for networking to help others find work, I have tried to help some of my friends either find work or find resources available in their area for them to do so...Getting involved with one's state dept. of rehabilitative services can really help in networking, finding, and maintaining a career. All in all, despite selfishness and greed that goes around in this world, we are all looking out for our own self priorities and interests most of the time, but we need to balance that by taking the time to be selfless in helping others. G-d wants us to take care of ourselves just as much as we should care for others. L'shana tova!

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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.