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Recession Tips for Chanukah

by Rabbi Yaakov Salomon

Who needs money?

Published: December 20, 2008
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Visitor Comments: 7

(7) Iris Moskovitz, November 16, 2010 9:06 AM

The best things in life are free, isn't that what they say?

Growing up without any extravagent gifts as a child, I truly did not envy my peers whom got expensive jewelry or Shabbos clothes as presents. I grew up with the knowledge that my mother, uncles, and grandparents gave themselves to me unconditionally. Something that I truly treasure.

(6) Anonymous, December 25, 2008 8:58 PM

Thank You for the Reminder

Your suggestions remind me of a special tradition in our family. Every year, until they entered high school, I have taken a "hooky day" with each of our children on or near each of their birthdays (and yes, part of the specialness of the day is the fact that they are allowed to miss school). We have traditionally spent the entire day doing whatever they want. Our activities have included staying home and watching movies, visiting museums, visiting outdoor historical sites (even in the cold and rain), etc. The children are also allowed to have a special meal (their choice) on their special day. I am an educator and recently had a very rough ending to a very long (and sleep-deprived) semester. After my grades were finally turned-in, my youngest (our only child still at home) and I spent my first day "off" visiting a special exhibit of the Dead Sea Scrolls at one of our state museums. When asked on the way home to rate the day, my 10-year-old rated it as a "9 or 10".... Not bad for a 10-year-old. Long after our children forget their gifts, I know that they will remember those priceless "hooky days."

(5) Anonymous, December 23, 2008 10:29 AM

yasher koach!

I haven't been able to keep up with the Rabbi Salomon videos lately, but I'm very glad that I caught this one. Great message, beautifully articulated, and with many a warm smile. Yasher Koach.

(4) Shoshana Z., December 23, 2008 10:16 AM

Good ideas

Good ideas -- sharing and giving time, but please don't take kids out of school or take a day off unless you say it's vacation. As a teacher, I never liked kids just taking off... Lovely messages from you. Chag Chanuka Sameach. S. Zakon

(3) John Campana, December 23, 2008 8:20 AM

Great wisdom.

His comments about the gift of yourself and the gift of your time brought tears to my eyes. Nothing is as important in this world as the gift of yourself. As an 80 year old person the gift of a box wraped in blue ribbon can never mean as much as having my children give my wife and me the gift of their time.

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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.