Torah Reading: Be'halot'cha

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Secrets of Longevity

by Rabbi Yaakov Salomon

Happy 100th Uncle Leo!

Published: October 25, 2009
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Visitor Comments: 10

(10) Anonymous, November 1, 2009 12:29 AM

My father-in-law

My father-in-law is semi-retired and sits around playing solitaire on the computer all day. He is depressed and has physical ailments. My father, on the other hand, works even as he is semi-retired. He has fewer problems. One must stay active and working as long as possible.

(9) Anonymous, October 29, 2009 5:36 AM

Mazal Tov! Ad-120!

May you enjoy many more simchas together.

(8) Anonymous, October 27, 2009 6:56 PM

I believe you

My grand mother is also from a Salomon family and she lived for 106 years with all her abilities and no illness. She even told my aunt two weeks before her death that her days were over she had to go now. Is it the blessings of King David passed down?

(7) Ruth Housman, October 27, 2009 5:07 PM

my aunt and uncle, married and both 100

I recently attended a family and friends' celebration of Romie and Blanche, my aunt and uncle, who are now one hundred years old. Romie has some significant memory issues and Blanche cares for him with help, that is greatly needed. She is totally "there" for him, for us, and it's about love. She loves him and he loves her. My Uncle had a long life that was entirely about giving, and he is still giving, to Bezalel in Israel. They shared their joint love of art and their collections and gave extensively to many Israeli institutions. My aunt never worked in a work work way, but I think retirement is a word that has too many connotations, and it's not about THAT, it's about what we do, at any time of our lives, that has to do with love, passion, what keeps that spark going. I know a lot of people who are "retired" but they're not. They are working, at those things they do love, and sometimes it's an opportunity to do something entirely new. It's not actually about money always, and retirement somehow took on that work and money "thing". So I say, it's about LOVE. My Uncle brought people out of Nazi Germany during the War years and he kept a very low profile about this, even to us, his nieces and nephews. He gave in so many ways. I am proud of them both and as for life, it does sometimes turn in sad ways, because I wish I could converse with my Uncle Romie Shapiro right now. All the same, I KNOW he's there, because his eyes move toward me, toward Blanche, and there is his hand, moving towards us around that dinner table, and so it's about LOVE. It always is. Keep that passion whatever you do, find that something, because it's not about retirement, it's about Following Your Heart.

(6) David, October 27, 2009 3:58 PM

Longevity Basic from Torah

Honour thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long upon the land which HaShem thy G-d giveth thee (Shemot, Chapter 20:12) כבד את־אביך ואת־אמך למען יארכון ימיך על האדמה אשר־יהוה אלהיך נתן לך׃ ס

(5) judith zvaig, October 26, 2009 12:04 PM

Some 15 years ago I heard on the radio a Chinese lady celebrating her 120th birthday, lucid and healthy, she was being interviewed. So the reporter also asked her "the question". Guess what her answer was..... guess.... guess.... " I refrained from gossiping my whole life" she responded Huge WOW

(4) Beverly Kurtin, October 25, 2009 9:23 PM

You almost nailed it

To your Uncle Leo, may I add my greetings. Rabbi, you almost hit the nail on the head. For those of us who can not NOT retire due to disabilities, CONTENTMENT is the real secret. I have a debilitating condition that forces me to sit most of the time. I am not in the slightest bit upset about that. I can still live an active life; I live with my sister and her daughter so I've got family support. I'm in excruciating agony every minute of the day; I pay little attention to it and it goes away. I'm content and bear no grudges. Will that help me make it to 100? Only Hashem knows, but regardless of when he call, I'll be ready. I've already died once following open-heart surgery, so I'm not afraid of death and the Amedia reminds us thrice a day why we shouldn't fear dying. Shalom...Baracha bat Etta Golda

(3) Anonymous, October 25, 2009 4:07 PM

Question About Judaism and Its Beliefs

I am watching a documentary called "What the Bleep Do We Know?," and it discusses how one's life is largely dependent on how one observes his environment. It discusses how a scientist Masaru Emoto did a study with water where he placed purified water in bottles with labels ranging from words of love to hatred. And he noticed that the physical properties of the water itself became more symmetrical/balanced in the containers of love and more stretched and unbalanced in the containers of hatred. At least what I am getting from the film is that the world we view is truly the world we pick to view, and that at any moment we have the power to strive/live like your uncle, or squander it. I just would like to see your opinions on the topic. The movie can be seen at : http://www.moviesfoundonline.com/what_the_bleep_do_we_know.php

(2) Debora, October 25, 2009 1:11 PM

And I almost forget...

Happy 100 Uncle Leo! You nail it :)

(1) Debora, October 25, 2009 1:06 PM

Some are just tired

Some ppl can't wait to retire coz they are tired of working for others or in shifts or their job is very stressful (police, medical field and such). Staying active is one thing, being retired is another. Not that long ago ppl didn't work in frims, so they didn't 'retire'. They were active at their own pace. But life before was not easy for majority of ppl so some comparisons don't fit. I would say that the right balance of being active and doing what one wants is the key to happy life (plus being healthy, having money and someone special to share it with).

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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.