From My Notebook: Recent Episodes
Yisrael Shurack
In Psalm 27 we say, "One thing I have asked of the L-rd, this I seek: that I may dwell in the House of the L-rd all the days of my life, to behold the pleasantness of the L-rd and to visit in His Sanctuary." Why would we need to ask to visit if we are dwelling in the House of the Lord already? In this week's parsha, Nitzavim/Vayeilech Hashem tells us that He has placed before us life and death and to choose life. What is Hashem trying to teach us about the importance of being intentional in our choicemaking.
In this week's parsha Eikev Moshe continues to review the Jewish people's journey and tells them about the blessing and curses that they will experience. What can we learn from this and what is the importance of embracing who we are.
The Shabbos before Tisha B'Av is known has Shabbos Chazon. The Shabbos of vision. What can we learn about this with regards to our own potential?
What does it mean to be part of the elite? What does it mean to be a real leader? We can learn the answer to this from Pinchas and Moshe in this week's parsha.
In this week's parsha Chukas, introduces the idea of doing a commandment that doesn't make sense to us. What can we learn from this and how can we use it to develop our relationships?
In this week's Parsha, Korach has complaints about Moshe. What can we learn from the importance of looking inward instead of at others?
In Parshas Shelach Moshe sends spies and they give a negative review of the land. What can we learn from their interpretation of themselves and how others looked at them?
In this week's parsha Miriam speaks negatively about Moshe Rabbeinu's wife. How does Moshe react? How should we treat people who wrong us?
In this week's Parsha, Naso, a census is conducted. Also, each of the 12 tribes give a gift and although the gifts are the same the Torah gives a full description of each one. What can we learn from this?
Why was the Torah given in the desert? What do we gain from living a life filled with Torah & mitzvahs?
In this week's parsha, Bechukotai G-d tells the Jewish people that if they keep the commandments they will live a life of plenty. However, if they don't guard the Torah they will be lacking. What does this really mean and what can we learn about the importance of perspective ? What does it really mean to be rich?
This week's parsha, Behar, talks about the obligation to help others, specifically your own brother. Sometimes we have to change our perspective so that we can better see things as they really are.
This week we will be celebrating Pesach Sheini (second Passover) and we are also in the midst of counting Sefirat HaOmer. What can we learn from these two events about second chances and pushing through even when things aren't the way we want.
In this week's parsha, Kedoshim, G-d tells the Jewish people to be holy. The Jewish people are also given the commandment to love your fellow man as you love yourself. What can we learn from these two ideas and what influence does it have on our own lives?
The Shabbos after Pesach there is a custom to make 'shlissel' challah. Challah with a key baked inside it. What can we learn from this interesting tradition?
What can we learn from the death of Aaron's sons, Nadav and Avihu? What does it mean to love someone the way they want to be loved?
In this week's parsha, Metzora, we read how the Kohein purified the Metzora. What can we learn from this and what does it mean to really judge someone from head to toe.
In this week's parsha, Tazria, we read about the metzora. Someone who had to leave the community temporarily and what they have to do to be accepted back. What can we learn from this and what does it mean to be compassionate when someone feels as though they are on the outside looking in.
The parsha, Shemini, tells us that Aharon faced the tragedy of losing his sons with silence. Why would the Torah tell us this and what can we learn about the power of silence in healing.
In this week's parsha, Tzav, we are told that the altar must remain burning at all times. What can we learn from this for our own relationship with Judaism?
What does it mean when our Sages say that the Jewish people completed their acceptance of the Torah on Purim? Does earning something rather than receiving a gift really make a difference?
Sometimes taking a small walk and sharing a smile with another person is all they need.
In this week's parsha the Torah tells us that a group of wise hearted artisans built the furnishings for the Mishkan. Why does it mention that they were wise hearted?
In this weeks Torah Portion, Ki Sisa, G-d threatens to wipe out the Jewish people and start a new nation from Moshe. How does Moshe have the courage to refuse this opportunity and to demand forgiveness for the Jewish people?
What can we learn from the commandment to have an everlasting flame? Even the flame of a candle, while providing light, flickers back and forth. This can teach us an important lesson in our daily lives.
In Parshas Terumah we are given specific detailed instructions on how to construct the mishkan. What can we learn from the fact that G-d was so detailed in His instructions and how can we cultivate greater connections with our friends, family, children, and spouse?
What is the difference between people that we will help no matter what is needed that those whom we would rather not help at all? It is all about the relationship!
In Parshat Yitro, Moshe's father in law, Yitro, makes the suggestion for Moshe to appoint judges to help him. What can we learn from the fact that even Moshe Rabbeinu needed help? Never be afraid to ask for help.
When the Jews left Egypt they had complaint after complaint. At what point do we look at life and decide that while it might be nice to have more, we are satisfied with our current situation?
In this week's parsha the Jews have the opportunity to bring holiness down into this world by placing blood on the doorpost. We have this opportunity everyday by engaging in physical mitzvahs.
A difficult but important aspect of life is embracing who we are so that we can then make the choice to cultivate ourselves. This was Paroh's mistake. He wasn't willing to go against his nature.
Moshe Rabbeinu almost wasn't born due to his parents separating as a result of Pharoh's decree. What can we learn from Miriam who was able to convince her parents not to separate and encouraged her parents to remarry?
Ever have the situation where you are talking about watching something (a sports game or movie) and the other person already saw it and you need to tell them "don't tell me!" What can we learn from this?
In this week's parsha Yosef reveals himself to his brothers and alleviates their apprehension but telling them that he fully forgives them. What does it mean and what does it take to really forgive someone who wronged us whole heartedly?
Why is the 8th day of Chanukah called, "This is Chanukah?" What does it mean to really embrace your potential and step into yourself?
Sometimes what we intended to happen and the actual result are very different. We should always endeavor to do our best to ensure that our intentions are well received.
Yaakov worked for 7 years and then married Leah. He then married Rochel and worked another 7 years. Which is better to work and then receive a reward or to receive a reward and then have to work for it?
Eisav sells his birthright for a pot of lentil soup. How Yaakov handles the situation gives us insight on how to approach new experiences and challenges.
In Parshas Chayei Sarah Rivka is not only kind but is extremely compassionate when she provides water for Eliezer's camel. From this we can learn the importance of going beyond our own natural limitations when helping and supporting others.
What does it mean to be devoted and committed to something or someone? It means having discipline; like Avraham Avinu who was willing to sacrifice his son for G-d.
In order to achieve our full potential we need to learn to be comfortable being uncomfortable. We need to be willing to 'leave' ourselves, and embrace the unknown with confidence and positivity.
Yisrael Shurack discusses strategies to engage in during this difficult time of war in Israel to maintain harmony in your home. 5 main themes are examined and ways to maintain normalcy and overcome adversity are discussed. A brief summary is provided at the end. Yisrael can be contacted by email at: yshurack@gmail.com
During this critical time in the land of Israel, let's take on a little bit extra learning, good deeds, and acts of kindness. And, when we do it, lets make sure that we are 'all in.'
The new year is a great time for resolutions and taking note of our goals. However, do we really need to wait for the new year, or is this something we can do more often?
It is important to look at solving problems not just from one perspective but from a fulsome approach that addresses the challenge from all sides.
Seeing a vision of the third temples is an unbelievable feat; what is even more influential is to see a vision of the best version of yourself.
It is not only our final destination that influences us, it's the journey itself that has the largest affect.
Shedding old habits makes us vulnerable, yet it is this vulnerability that allows us to truly grow and shine.
Part of being a great leader means knowing that one person can't do everything; picking the right people is part of being a true leader.
Challenges are always uncomfortable and its hard to see their benefit. However, it is challenges that help us develop our character and embrace our true self.
Sometimes we don't know the full value of what we have until it is pointed out to us, or taken away.
It is important that you see yourself for who you really are. Don't let others false image of you become your identity. Instead, embrace your true self.
The ability to wait and put off satisfaction not only cultivates resilience, it also allows us to have a higher level of joy.
The Baal Shem Tov saw the potential in others and supported them to become the best versions of themselves.
It is important to keep the proper perspective on life so that we stay realistic and positive.
Just as important as keeping your battery charged is making sure that you stay connected. If your battery is fully charged but you have a loose connection, you won't be able to stay charged.
Apologizing for the mistakes we made is what frees us to make the changes needed to repair our relationships.
Everything was created for G-d's glory. This means both the easy things and the challenging things.
The most dangerous time in Jewish history was when G-d wanted to destroy us, but our fearless leader stood in between G-d and us.
Everyone wants to be a part of something bigger than himself. Universal obligations gives each person the opportunity to be equal with everyone else.
Having no rules means anything goes and instead of being free you end up feeling imprisoned. Rules don't restrict us, instead they set us free.
Sometimes when things are difficult we have to take the time to look at our core; and remind ourselves that we are here to complete a specific mission that only we can achieve.
By overcoming our challenges we are able to break through to the other side which involves growth, development, and accomplishment.
We are never really alone as long as we remember that G-d is always with us; even when we don't realize it.
Everyone has a special mission that only they can accomplish. However, our missions are intertwined with others and supporting others to meet their goals ultimately helps us as well.
The kindness of strangers can inspire us to do a good deed for another, without expecting anything in return.
Everything happens for a reason and even when it seems like the world is out of order, things have never been more organized.
If we open our eyes we will see that there are miracles happening on a daily basis. We just have to take the time to look.
Overcoming our own limitations is an internal struggle we all face. Sometimes we are our own worst enemy and greatest challenge.
Never be afraid to try a second time if you aren't successful at first. Sometimes we are supposed to fail so that we can then succeed.
When we focus on putting our selves together we will be surprised how other things in life start to come together as well.
The power of laughter is amazing. It can alleviate stress, help us heal, and is a way to express our joy.
Despite being put through numerous challenges Avraham never lost his faith. Don't stop believing even when things are difficult.
Working together means learning to understand each other not just verbally but with non-verbal communication as well.
The ability to have a second and third try keeps us with a positive outlook on our ability to succeed.
We can reach greater heights when we choose to jump together, rather than individually.
Part of crowning G-d King is accepting Him for who he is. G-d won't always do the things we want and forgiving Him is an essential part of developing a close connection with Him.
While buying an honour for yourself on the high holidays is good, buying it for someone else is great. It is so special to use your hard earned money for someone else's benefit.
Sometimes when we need help it makes more sense to go straight to the top, rather than proceed through the chain of command.
Just like teachers give children a list of items that they need for the new school year; G-d has given us a list of what we need to be successful in life.
Giving charity isn't a nice thing to do; rather it is the right thing to do. Even if it is against one's nature to give, you can overcome this by making giving to others habitual.
It's important to remember to rely on G-d even when we feel as though we are self-sufficient and that our success comes purely from our own efforts.
The Shabbos before Tisha B'Av is a unique opportunity for us to self-reflect and envision how to become the best version of ourselves.
The importance of protecting ourselves so that when challenges arise we don't feel as though we have to give up.
We don't always have the answers in life and we don't know what the outcome will be. Even when we don't think we can make it to the finish line, we can still take just one more step.
There is room for everyone to shine and your burning bright doesn't take away from others.
Sometimes instead of looking for someone else to take the lead, be the leader that is needed.
What happens when we make a mistake and there are consequences to our actions? The importance of persevering forward even when we don't get what we want.
What would it look like if Korach had had the opportunity to speak with a therapist about his views on Moshe? The importance of shifting focus from others to ourselves.
It is important to base your self-worth on your own perception rather than the perspectives of others.
Sometimes when we experience something for the second time it ends up even better and more special than the first (that is, if we allow it to be).
Even when we have a reason to be upset with someone, we can find a better reason not to be upset and instead let it go.
Pesach Sheini teaches us the importance of not giving up and continuing to try even when we think we already failed.
Receiving help from a stranger (Afterall, what's a stranger but a friend who you haven't met yet)
The importance of really listening to what someone asks and hearing the question behind the question.
Making Aliyah to the land of Israel is supposed to be a perfect experience filled only with revealed good...or is it?
What is the connection between the turn signal in a car and the spiritual diseases known as tzaras?
Discusses 4 common stressors that affect couples during the holiday season, as well as 8 strategies of a winning team.
Going to the beach is fun but in order to jump over the ocean's waves your first need to make it through the danger zone.
We are supposed to remember what Amalek did to us as we left Egypt. Is G-d encouraging us to hold a grudge?
Side dishes are an important part of an elegant meal, even though they are only served, 'on the side.' What can we learn from the common side dish of cabbage salad?
Wrestlers are dedicated to training and ensuring they are strong in both body and mind. What is more important, physical strength or the will to win?
When baking hamentashen it is important not to overfill the cookies; otherwise, the filling causes the cookie to open up and the yummy filling all spills out. What can this mean for us in our everyday life?
Although having an iPhone is convenient, the emphasis should be on the we instead of the me. When we focus on ourselves as a team instead of just ourselves we start to really shine; both individually and collectively.
Sometimes it is easier to pretend to be someone else than to be your true self. The real challenge in life is to embrace your role in life and to step into yourself with all your energy.
Investment bankers work hard to assist people and companies on how to best invest their money and maximize profit. What can we learn from this profession?
We all carry baggage with us as we travel through life. It is important to decide what we want to continue to carry and what we want to choose to leave behind.
Doing things for the first time brings with it an enthralling excitement. It is important that we infuse our spirituality with this type of joy.
What is the responsibility to look after your fellow man? Do you have an obligation to ensure the welfare of others?
There is nothing like a surprise gift. Celebrating joyful occasions without advance notice invokes very special feelings.
It is important to remember that you never have to do things alone. Using all of your strength includes asking others for help.
When searching for something that you have lost, it is important to make sure that you are looking in the right place.
Sometimes we think we are heading in the right direction only to realize that we are, in fact, traveling the wrong way. It is then that we need to rely on others to support us to find the right path.
Owning a home includes everyday repairs and seasonal upgrades. Single-paned windows allow a cold draft to enter the home. Insulating our windows (and spirituality) is a protection worth investing in.
Sometimes we don't know how valuable and precious what we have is until someone else points it out to us.
A story of how a car accident resulted in Jews attending a Shabbaton and creating a long-lasting friendship and connection with another family.
Eating donuts is a real challenge, with powder, jelly, and extreme stickiness. However, we can learn a powerful lesson from this delectable treat.
In the same way that olive oil does not stay permanently mixed with other liquids and always separates itself, we must ensure that we stay true to ourselves and not allow ourselves to be influenced by negativity.
One of the greatest tasks is to synthesize spirituality with physicality and bring form a connection between heaven and earth.
Being able to give our all to a challenge even when we feel like we were cheated out of what we really wanted is an important skill to develop.
We are born with an innate predisposition to question G-d and life's challenges. However, the struggle is part of the journey to achievement.
Join Yisrael Shurack, MSW as he discusses strategies to keep your relationship blossoming during the Summer. Yisrael can be reached by email at: yshurack@gmail.com or by WhatsApp at: +1 604-272-7763.
Join Yisrael Shurack, MSW as he explores the key ingredients to finding and sustaining marital harmony. Yisrael can be reached by email at: yshurack@gmail.com or by WhatsApp at: +1 604-272-7763.
Explores what we can learn from banana bread and why we should focus on transforming challenges into opportunities for growth and success.
Explores the challenge of transitions and the connection between facing challenges and the opportunity to refine yourself and become the person that G-d knows you can be.
Explores what we can learn from mosquitoes and the importance of being a giver and not just a taker.
Explores Psalm 27 and the importance of now allowing important tasks to become mundane and perfunctory and keeping them infused with energy.
Explores how life is full of hard decisions and tasks but that we get to choose our hard, and the amazing quality of dancing on Simchas Torah to draw down blessings.
Explores the eating in the Sukkah during the holiday of Sukkot and how it can be compared to having an intimate relationship with your spouse.
Explores what we can learn from children and their willingness to try something new and their determination to succeed.
Explores the meaning of birthdays and the courage that Chava (Eve) had by leaving the Garden of Eden to start the mission to bring heaven down to Earth.
Explores the versatility and uniqueness of challah and how every person has their own flavor which they can contribute to the world.
Explores what we can learn from infrared night vision goggles and the ability to reflect on our actions and see what we need to do to change for the better.
Explores the importance of reflecting on the challenges that G-d gives us and what we learn from them.
Explores what we can learn from animals that chew their own cud and the importance of thinking things over before making decisions.
Explores the benefit of challenges in life and how difficult situations open your eyes to becoming your best self.
Explores what we can learn from making ice cream in a bag and the importance of always doing more each day than we did the day before.
Explores the importance of recognizing that each person has a unique set of abilities that can shine while working together.
Explores the importance of embracing leadership and knowing when to delegate responsibility.
Explores what we can learn from making grilled cheese sandwiches and how it can relate to our doing our best to do the right thing.
Explores the importance of striving to do what is right even when it isn't easy and being okay with the results.
Explores the importance of knowing who you are and not being influenced by the words of others.
Explores being importance of being organized and the role of tzitis as a reminder to act appropriately.
Explores how important each and every person is, and importance of letting people know what they mean to you.
Explores life lessons we learn from our children, not being worried and instead cultivating our faith in G-d.
Explores the deliciousness of chocolate lave cake, and what how we can learn from the rich chocolatey gooey center.
Explores the disease tzaras, speaking negatively about others, how the Kohein cures tzaras, and how things aren't always what they seem.
Explores the uniqueness of tofu and what we can learn from the versatility of this special ingredient.
Can someone like Pharoh (the king of Egypt who caused the Jews so much strife) change and if he did would we be willing to invite him to our house? A question only a child pure of heard could ask.
Pesach cleaning can be intense as we search how homes and aim to get rid of every piece of chametz. But what are we really trying to accomplish? Spring cleaning is more of a spiritual cleansing than a physical cleaning as we aim to rid ourselves of our ego.
We never know the influence that a simple act of kindness will have on someone else's world. One good deed really can change the world.
The common response when someone thanks you for doing them a favour is "don't mention it." Why don't we want them to mention it? Is there a deeper way of connecting with someone that is above 'mentioning it?"
The zoo is an exciting place filled with exotic animals, live shows, and new experiences. Why is it more exciting to see a grizzly bear at the zoo than seeing a grey squirrel on your front lawn? What we experience infrequently is often exciting and what we engage in regularly we view as mundane. How do we infuse excitement into our everyday life?
Cellphones can now do so much more than just make phone calls; and yet they still need to be charged in order to be used. We are no different. In order for us to maximize our potential and actualize our abilities we need to recharge. So how do we do this?
Why was the Torah first given to the women and then to the men? Women are the support system of the family and it is only with their guidance and motivation that men succeed. Women aren't afraid to do what needs to be done.
While changing our clothes might assist in our transformation, in order to have a long last change it must come from within.
Explores the importance of expressing your feelings of love to those that are close to you and how G-d wants and needs our love.
Explores stepping into ourselves and becoming the person we need to be to face the challenges before us.
Explores doing our best to maintain our own values while actively doing our best to positively influence others.
Explores being the best that you can be and to work towards fulfilling the unique mission in life that only you can accomplish.
Explores the destruction of the Beis HaMikdash (Temple), going through struggles, and how G-d gives us the obstacles is just the right proportions.
Explores the last day of Chanukah and having total commitment to actualize our potential.
Explores the confrontation between Yaakov and Eisav, the wrestling match between Yaakov and an angel, and our own wrestling match with life's challenges.
Explores the usefulness of ladders in our daily lives and the role of a spiritual ladder to reach greater spiritual heights.
Explores the relationship between ourselves and others and the influence we can have on someone.
Explores how we choose to face life's challenges and how that impacts our view on life.
Explores daylight savings time, our attempt to manipulate time, and the ability to go back in time and correct our mistakes.
Explores how each person can accomplish great feats by starting with first working on himself. By working on ourselves one can change the world.
Explores what we can learn from brining our car to the mechanic and the importance of staying balanced and maximizing our potential.
Explores how each person on their contributes to the greater good. A symphony can only be complete if each person plays their part.
Explores how children are not afraid to try new things and how we should embrace our lives by not being afraid to be ourselves.
Explores Michigan's Lake Superior University's "List of Words Banished from the Queen’s English for Misuse, Overuse, and General Uselessness,” the word 'amazing,' and recognizing how 'amazing' life really is as we enter the new year.
Explores finding meaning in a car accident, realizing who is in control, accepting what happens in life and how we can learn to react positively to challenges, and what it means to crown G-d King.
Explores staying focused while pushing ourselves to reach our potential, the importance of having a cheering squad to support you, having concrete goals and a plan to achieve them.
Explores pacing ourselves while making an effort to achieve our goals, and preparing ourselves for Rosh Hashanah.
Explores feeling imprisoned, judging others and ourselves, how to give advice to others, how to attain freedom.
Explores what it means when children don't listen to parents, when we don't listen to ourselves, making mistakes, and how a curse turns into a blessing.
Explores saying 'thank you,' showing appreciation to others, increasing personal happiness, why being joyful is necessary for us to fulfill our personal mission, and how it's all intertwined.
Explores fixing holes, painting, reflecting on our past, growing from our mistakes, strengthening ourselves through life's challenges, and Tisha b' Av.
Explores living in a 'super-sized' time where everyone wants bigger and better, when is supersized really necessary, and developing a supersized love.
Explores the power of storytelling and achieving our goals by reviewing the experiences in our lives that brought us to success.
Explores Snapple's grassroots campaign, fulfilling your mission in life, and striving to be the best you that you can be.
Explores how answers and reasons are influenced by our relationships with others, and how our relationship with G-d affects keeping G-d's commandments.
Explores fishing, being helpful, the contagiousness of friendliness, teaching children, Parshas Shelach, and the commandment of tzitzis.
Explores Nintendo, playing video games, second chances, trying even when we don't succeed, Parsha Behalosecha and Pesach Sheini.
Explores what it means for something to be our favourite and how we can infuse that type of special energy into every activity and mitzvah (good deed) that we do.
Explores the idea of building a relationship with our spouse that has a strong foundation and remains exciting and how this can be done with our relationship with G-d.
Explores the connection between Parshas Bamidbar, self discovery, and becoming the person that G-d created you to be.
Explores the connection between Parshas Behar-Bechukotai, charity, and the importance of remembering to not only help others but to help our family as well.
Explores the connection between Parshas Emor, Pesach Sheini, second chances, and how children help us become the people we are destined to be.
Explores the connection between Parshas Acharei-Kedoshim, mitzvot, lighting up the world, and my daughters 10th birthday.