What I do is affirmatively focus on self-growth. I lean in and nurture my relationship with my kids and beautiful wife. I let my mind rest and allow it to grapple with the challenges of the week in a more creative and innovative way than when I’m in the trenches. I let my perspective zoom out and think about big-picture issues and even do a bit of naval-gazing philosophizing with family and friends.

Most importantly, I evaluate whether I was the kind of lawyer, co-worker, father, and husband that I wanted to be this past week and how I can do better this coming week.

Throughout my career I was told that to do M&A (especially PE), I would have to compromise my Shabbat observance. A successful M&A lawyer and mentor told me, “you may be the best attorney in the world, but unfortunately if we get an LOI on Friday night, I need you to turn it back to the client by Saturday night. If you can’t do that, clients just can’t work with you. Have you considered Tax?”

Shabbat is designed to reinforce that our value is not the sum of our productivity or what we produce. Our value goes beyond our work and beyond the economic value, we create. When all the ringing and pinging is gone for 26 hours, you realize that your worth is independent of your work.

Joe Lieberman was an early role model of mine, in part because he observed Shabbat. He was a U.S. Senator and did not compromise Shabbat observance. Not only did he make it work, but it made him a better Senator, a better father, and a better human. He wrote a beautiful book about Shabbat and how everyone (of all faiths or no faith) can benefit by integrating Shabbat into their daily lives by taking moments to self-reflect and discuss deep topics (The Gift of Rest). We had an enjoyable discussion about Shabbat when we met a “few” years ago (picture in the Comments).

As we celebrate the holidays with friends and family and move into a new year, we would be well served to integrate a bit of Shabbat into our own lives, to take time to shut off the electronics and be present with our loved ones. These are the moments that have real meaning, these are the moments our children and spouses remember; I would not trade those moments for anything.

While I recognize that Shabbat observance could result in a detriment to my career or winning certain clients, the gains to my mental health, peace of mind, creativity, innovation, closeness to family, and overall wellbeing are absolutely priceless.

To those that celebrate Christmas, wishing you a truly meaningful and peaceful holiday with your loved ones.

Shabbat shalom to all.

#privateequity #law #shabbatshalom

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=4994414&forum_id=2#43682286)

I generally have no problem just sleeping and eating most of Saturday away. I have a bigger problem with staying kosher as meat was meant to be eaten with cheese and I don’t like paying $20 a pound for ground beef.

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=4994414&forum_id=2#43682320)