How to unload your mistakes.

Published: Sunday, July 19, 2009

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Visitor Comments: 8

  • (8) Joan Marie , July 26, 2009

    rules change

    I live in Brooklyn, NY and I can attest that for those who believe that the party goers should have followed the rules even if the sign was not there they are mistaken. It is not unusual in NY for parking rules to change unexpectedly, without warning and then to be changed again--You have to go by the signs! What is unusual is that the police officer was willing to tear up the ticket. The usual response is that the citizen will have to fight the ticket-not because the officer is trying to be difficult, but sometimes once they begin writing it they have to finish it! (Strange, but those are the rules!) G-d was certainly on the side of the worshipers.

  • (7) Anonymous , July 26, 2009

    Great Story

    For those who commented that the drivers "should have realized", I had to read the comments twice and still said, "huh"?! We don't make up parking rules; we look to the signs to get the rules for that area. If there's a "no parking" sign, we don't park. If there isn't one, somehow the driver is supposed to think that maybe there SHOULD be one?! Eh? How does that make sense to you? There are hundreds and hundreds of blocks that have different rules for opposite sides of the street. That is NORMAL, and it is beyond absurd to think a driver is supposed to engage in a guess every time he parks: MAYBE there really SHOULD be a no parking sign here?!!

  • (6) Gwenn , July 25, 2009

    Anonymous makes a very good argument, as do the other commentors. In light of this week's news, this week's theme could be take responsibilty for one's actions and/or justifying one's actions.

  • (5) Anonymous , July 22, 2009

    Wrong assesment

    I think the lesson here should perhaps instead be that we shouldn't forget our responsibilities just because the signs aren't so clear. Our responsibilities don't stem from the sign always being posted and visible. They stem from the knowledge we gain, from learning about right and wrong. If your son or anyone knew the area and knew the rules, the sign is irrespective and a realization of the right and wrong was conveniently dodged. I can imagine a better story and lesson in which your son acknowledges that he knew of this issue and accepted the ticket regardless. Unfortunately, some might argue, rules and laws are can be strictly cause and effect (i.e. no sign, no law) and so we often must play the game or be consumed by it - I'm not certain where I stand on that generally (specifically is easier) and so I don't fault anyone who might play that game. By the way, I also understand that your son may simply not have known about the regulations and thus the above is moot, but you did not clarify in your message and so the above was worth noting. Wow, I usually don't type into boxes this small (fix that) but stumbled upon your video and went with it. :)

  • (4) gary james baxter , July 22, 2009

    thanks that is a good lesson

    thanks for the insights. i always find myself dwelling on my mistakes and when i do i make more. thank you for sharing

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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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