_(english).jpg)
How to make Passover really meaningful this year.
Published: Monday, March 30, 2009
Aish.com relies on your support. Click here to support us.
Visitor Comments: 5
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.
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.
(5) tehila leah , April 6, 2009
charity or being taken advantage of
Re organizations: 1. you can check their financial statements to see what percentage goes to overhead and what to recipients, if they won't give the statement, you don't give the money. 2. ask your local rabbeim for a list of reputable organizations and pick one or two that you like. 3. in many neighborhoods, most people won't be on the streets begging if they don't really need the money, especially not the observant Jews. if you're concerned about it going to drugs or alcohol, offer to buy them a cup of coffee and a sandwich, or purchase one or two small items in the grocery and hand them to the people outside. as far as how we view people with their hands out, that's part of what we need to work on - and I do include myself. remember, whatever you give, you will get back. that's haShem's math, not ours.
(4) N. Rosen , April 1, 2009
helping people vs. being taken advantage of
Granted, that there are many people who are less fortunate than me, and I do give tzedekah to needy causes, how do I know I am not being taken advantage of when I get asked by these charitable organizations over and over again for me almost like it is coming off that I didn't give enough. Same thing especially goes with those impoverished who come up to me begging me for money, where I feel guilty if I don't give to them, and taken advantage of if I do, because they'll likely spend the money I gave them on drugs and alcohol. So, how do I avoid or avoid perceiving the needy as "grabby" - at times?
(3) Anonymous , March 31, 2009
AGREE
The Rabbi's comments are exactly what Pesach is all about.....wether we are in a financial crisis or not!! Thank you for reminding us!! Our kids will not remember that new outfit that we thought they needed.......they will remember the company we had & the feeling of togetherness. Chag Samayach.
(2) tzilia sacharow , March 31, 2009
beautiful
wont ever forget your chocolate mouse story. i hope that you got my message through your daughter of condolence on the loss of your parent. may you have stregnth and keep the memory vibrant.
(1) Peter Klauber , March 31, 2009
A Timeless Message
Rabbi Salomon's message is certainly not new but very relevant to our current times. I t does not hurt anyone to be reminded of this vital approach to our brothers and sisters.