From My Notebook

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.

What can we learn from an upsherin? What does a relationship of reciprocity look like?

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?

What is so special about the holiday of Sukkot and spending time in the Sukkah?

Even when things don't go the way we want, we can still push on and not give up.

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.

Breaking down large tasks into smaller pieces allows us to be successful.

The most amazing experiences often come with a waiting period.

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.