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.
(26) onlyme, October 19, 2012 2:38 AM
I believe that our grandparents from Europe, while probebly not as obsessed with happines as we are today, WERE happier- with their potatoes, clothes and roof. We are spoiled, misrable people today. Airconditioning and happiness belong in completely separate catagories. An inner contentment with life is a total neccessity- it is a prerequisite for everything else which is good in life. It is something which every single human being should have.
(25) Richard Price, August 12, 2012 8:17 PM
Mr
Happiness, joy , feeling positive, well if you can't access this state of mind , then survival at best is a really grim affair , but if like the great beings of old you prize the inner state . Then maybe survival can be transformed into something akin to a child scampering around in the dirt seeing as Blake would say the universe in a grain of sand .
(24) steve, August 12, 2012 12:20 AM
choice
My thoughts: I agree with Dennis Prager. It's a moral obligation to be happy. Everyone, everyday, can choose to live a moral life. So, choose to be happy. It's a necessity for a more fulfilled and richer life.
(23) Frederica Steller, August 11, 2012 8:55 PM
Is happiness a luxury or a necessity?
I loved this video! I've thought about that question many times; and found it can be either one, depending on your own viewpoint.
(22) Nachshon, August 9, 2012 6:44 AM
Eikev
As I am studying this weeks portion. I see 3 different threads. 1st The mitsvot to love the convert. I do not think this thread is relevant in this subject content but please some one prove me wrong 2nd Being thankful after your needs have been satisfied. "relevant" do I thank Hashem daily for the woman I have been blessed with? When I don't, strife always comes in to the relationship. When I do give thanks/praise to Hashem for my wife, peace and harmony comes to our house and that in turn becomes a happy home and relationship The 3rd thread goes to how Moses was a role model to Israel on how to connect to and serve Hashem. On this aspect there are some incredible connections here that I don't have the word count available on this post to exploit. If I could render it into but a few words whether it be your relationship with Hashem , your Spouse , your Children etc etc .. Shake of the shackles that keep you from being connected to Hashem, your Spouse, your Children and your purpose in life that Hashem has set before you. Your freedom//joy/Happiness etc in all things you do have a inner-connection to Hashem. Press the pause button, and let your spirit listen to Hashen's quiet voice. May you be blessed and kept safe by the creator of all things