(10) Anonymous , December 10, 2008

my busy mom!

my mom is nearing 80! she stays so busy and happy! she volenteers at yad sora and the cancer society. (we live in israel). she reads, helps her neighbors, cooks up a storm when the kids and grandchildren come over. but most important, she davens 3 times a day along with her daily tehillim. mom, you should have many more healthy and happy years!

(9) Anonymous , December 9, 2008

Oh, I'd just love to have my own radio show or videosite but I wonder what my MACHATONIM would say? something to think about - eh? by the way, this is a personal comment for Rabbi Solomon only. Regards E.A.

(8) Anonymous , December 9, 2008

Thanks

We sit around waiting for your thoughtful and inciteful emails.

(7) Roz Lipsitt , December 9, 2008

Here's What Can Be Done

As an occupational therapist specializing in geriatrics, I would advise everyone, no matter what age you are, to try to lead a balanced life. This is easier said than done in our society where there are so many demands, especially financial. Someone once asked, "Why don't people read more?" Answer: "Because books don't ring." Let's remember that today is the first day of the rest of our lives and make a commitment to do one thing every day not related to work, but not TV!

(6) ruth housman , December 9, 2008

Live your Passion

Sadly, many people equate work with life and when they, especially men, lose their jobs through attrition, retirement, etc. they feel like life is over. Life is not just the job, and never should be. it's the myriad things we do, constantly, that are our passion. Those who are lucky follow their passions in the job and do what it is they feel called to do that gives joy, but many are not able to do this. It's the constant structure of a job that gives people a way to walk through time. To contemplate, suddenly, the void, without preparation, is difficult. Women, who talk about so much to each other, who do engage more often I believe, in activities that are social, that are about giving in myriad ways, from participation in school fairs, etc. seem often more able to make the leap and are very busy, doing for others and doing what they love in retirement. In a way, it's not about the job. That's a mind set, meaning this notion that productivity is counted for in dollars. Do something that gives pleasure to you and to others and you cannot be bored. Look around. There is just so much to do and if anything, it's the choice that's difficult. I volunteer in a Seniors Center and it's so obvious how people continue to grow and learn from the sparks that are produced when they interact with each other. Sometimes the first step is the hardest. I have met such fabulous people and they power each other. In my group it's about the stories...looking down the years. Everyone tells a story. And this group is so affirming to each of the participants as they bear witness to their lives and see, looking down the years, the magic threads and it's a continuing tapestry, not the end, in "retirement". It's all a matter of Point of View, POV and not Poverty of View. The vistas are endless. Embrace them.

(5) Anonymous , December 9, 2008

What John Quincy Adams Did

John Quincy Adams -- son of John Adams -- served one term as President but lost re-election to a second term. Thererafter, he ran for and was elected to the House of Representatives, where he served a number of two-year-terms with distinction. He was asked whether it was not "below the dignity" of a former president to go into the House of Representatives. He replied, "It cannot be below the dignity of any citizen to serve in the nation's Congress."

(4) Anonymous , December 9, 2008

my father

i am so proud of my father. after never missing first minyan his whole working life, he started studying the daf yomi when he retired. he now wakes up before 5am every morning. he's on his second daf yomi cycle (and busy amassing other mitzvot - helping those around him wherever and whenever he can) and his vibrancy and purpose are wonderfully exciting. i am indeed very lucky to have him as a role model.

(3) Anonymous , December 9, 2008

volunteer grandchildren learn daven

I had an excellent computer job. Today I learn daven and volunteer in different places where I can help people. I also have children and grandchildren to enjoy I love my life now and would never go back to work

(2) Anonymous , December 7, 2008

Sounds like my father-in-law

My father-in-law is semi-retired and does almost nothing. It is very sad that such a bright man is doing hardly anything with his life. He could use his accounting skills to do pro bono work or teach accounting.

(1) ross , December 7, 2008

...and maybe I'll correspond with George Bush

It was quite scary when my father announced his retirement at age 62 after working 18 hour days. We knew he would go nuts. He ended up working for the same company he had owned. How sad. It's good to be religious. I know when I retire, my aim is to sit in a beis midrash. (And distill whiskey, and start a university.)