In a recent LinkedIn post, Berel Solomon explores the profound tension between professional demands and familial presence, sharing a personal anecdote that highlights the true value of undivided attention. Solomon, a business leader, recounts a family vacation where his work obligations prevented him from being fully present with his children, leading to a poignant realization.
He describes the struggle of balancing client calls, team messages, and urgent issues while on vacation, a common challenge for many entrepreneurs and executives. Solomon admits to not having the financial freedom to simply disconnect, stating:
“I don’t have tens of millions of dollars in the bank (yet) where I can just unplug for a week and ignore my business.”
The Power of Unplugging
Solomon’s perspective shifted dramatically with the arrival of Shabbat, a religious observance that mandates a complete cessation of work and technology use. This enforced break from his professional responsibilities allowed him to experience a different kind of engagement with his family.
The impact of this period of forced presence was immediate and deeply felt. His children’s unprompted feedback at the end of the observance revealed the true nature of their experience. Solomon recounts their simple yet powerful statement:
“Yeah… because today we got you. And you weren’t on your phone.”
This feedback, as Solomon notes, was more impactful than any of the planned vacation activities, such as zip-lining or rafting. It underscored a fundamental truth about parenting and relationships.
Redefining the Greatest Gift
The core of Solomon’s message revolves around a reevaluation of what constitutes the most valuable gift we can offer. He challenges the common assumption that experiences are paramount, suggesting instead that our attention is often the more precious commodity.
As Berel Solomon argues, the desire to provide extensive experiences can inadvertently detract from the quality of our presence. He reflects on the spiritual and personal significance of Shabbat, positing it not as a divine requirement for rest, but as a human necessity for reconnection.
“Sometimes we think the greatest gift we can give our children is experiences. But often, the greatest gift is simply our undivided attention.”
This realization, stemming from a personal moment of reflection, offers a powerful lesson for business leaders and parents alike. Solomon suggests that the relentless pursuit of business success can sometimes obscure the very reasons for that pursuit.
Remembering the ‘Why’
Solomon concludes his post by emphasizing the importance of periodically stepping back to remember the underlying purpose of one’s work. He implies that true fulfillment comes not just from professional achievement, but from maintaining a strong connection to personal values and relationships.
According to Berel Solomon, the structured disconnection offered by observances like Shabbat can serve as a vital mechanism for recalibrating priorities. It provides an opportunity to ensure that the energy and effort invested in business ultimately serve the broader goals of personal and familial well-being.
“Because sometimes, we need to stop working long enough to remember who we’re working for.”
Solomon’s candid sharing serves as a compelling reminder that true success encompasses not only professional accomplishments but also the richness of our personal connections, fostered by genuine presence.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Berel Solomon on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on August 2, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →