From My Notebook

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.

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.