A philosophy that just doesn't work.

Published: Saturday, November 29, 2008

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Visitor Comments: 16

  • (16) paul solon , December 20, 2008

    yes

    As Socrates said, no act of kindness is meaningless. It is a good pt here by the Rabbi, he knows his stuff.

  • (15) Allie , December 16, 2008

    Agree 100%

    I completely agree with this. I am not in a place in my life where I have a desire to be 100% observant. But that doesn't mean I have to eschew every aspect of Judaism. I do what I am able, and I think that's perfectly okay. To do all or nothing would mean I would do nothing, which I am not comfortable w/. Perhaps a better philosophy is to do all all we are able.

  • (14) SusanE , December 6, 2008

    A bunch of 10%'s Can Add up to 100%.

    Hello Rabbi Salomon, Thank you for a timely video this week. In a previous article on Aish, I read about this very thing. It talked about mizvots and observance, and the ALL or Nothing concept. Before reading it, I thought in terms of black and white, ...everything was either wrong or right. I lived by, 'do something 100% or don't do it at all'. After much reading and asking questions on Aish, I finally realized how much of my life I have been drifting along, not doing anything. Your article this week will help many people to understand how they can give and be observant on many levels....it will inspire them to.. Do something! Do anything! Give a little or give a lot. Good advice Rabbi, thank you.

  • (13) Marty Birnbaum , December 6, 2008

    Preaching to the Choir

    Too bad this brilliant video is geting to mostly those who already practice some form of Judaism. It's premise deserves to be seen by everyone. I intend to pass it along to some of my friends who are Jews in name only. Thank you Rabbi Salamon for sharing your wisdom with all of us. It helps me to understand what Hashem really asks of us.

  • (12) Joey , December 3, 2008

    Small Acts

    While not exactly a Jewish source, this just made me think of a few quotes from Mother Teresa: “If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one.” Also, “We can’t all do great things, but doing small things with great love makes them great.” God bless!

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About the Author

Rabbi Yaakov Salomon

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.

Rabbi Yaakov Salomon, C.S.W.

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." His most recent book is "Something to Think About; Extraordinary Reflections About Ordinary Events (Mesorah)."

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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