PODCAST · education
From My Notebook
by Yisrael Shurack, MSW
Insights and inspiration on marriage, parenting, and everything in between
Episodes
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When Good Enough isn't Good Enough
Are we simply getting by in our marriage, or helping it reach its potential? Drawing on Parshas Noach and what it means to be righteous, "in his generation," this episode explores how ongoing care, effort, and connection can build deeper shalom bayit.
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The Missing Ingredient in Creation
Why did G-d rest on the seventh day? What was still missing from Creation? This week, we explore how Shabbat teaches us that rest isn't simply a break from building, but an essential part of making something complete--and how this powerful lesson applies to sustaining meaningful, lasting...
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Standing Together
Explores the connection between the double parsha of Nitzavim and Vayelech and the ideas of free choice, achievability vs things being easy, and how this relates to marriage. Parshas Nitzavim–Vayelech reminds us that what Hashem asks of us is within reach, even when it isn’t easy. In marriage…
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Fight the Problem Don't Destroy the Person
Explores Parshas Shoftim and the connection between the laws of offering peace before waging war as well as not needlessly destroying things and how this relates to our relationships with people.
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Marriage is a Journey
Explores the connection in Parshas Devarim, where Moshe reviews the journeys of the people, reflects on appointing judges to share the work load, and the sending of the spies; and how all three help guide us towards a healthy and balanced marriage.
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Boundaries & Refuge
Explores the double parshas of Matos & Maasei and what we can learn from the Jewish people establishing boundaries and cities of refuge in Israel with regards to the relationship of marriage.
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Use Your Gifts the Right Way
Explores the connection between Parshas Balak and marriage. Bilaam uses his gifts to have power over others while Pinchas uses his abilities to save the Jewish people. How does this connect to marriage and the importance of using your gifts for the benefit of the couple.
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When Love Doesn't Make Sense
Explores the connection and lessons we can learn from the Parah Aduma and the copper serpent and how they relate to marriage and love between spouses.
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Proud to be Me
Explores Parshas Korach and the importance of focusing on who we are rather that comparing ourselves to others. The importance of 'showing up' with authenticity in our marriage.
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The Real You
Explores the spies interpretation of the land of Israel, how we view ourselves, and the influence that has on our relationships with others, specifically with spouses.
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No One Gets Left Behind
Explores the connection between Parshas Behalosecha and Miriam talking negatively about Moshe and his commitment to not leaving her behind and what we can learn from this in our own relationships.
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You be You & I'll be Me
This podcast explores the importance of individuality and embracing who you are as in this week's parsha, Bamidbar.
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It's All About Perspective
Explores the connection between the double portions of Behar & Bechukotai and Lag B'Omer. Discusses the importance of perspective taking and the ability to be open to other people's views on things as well as understanding that G-d is the one who is really in control.
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Second Chances
This podcasts explores the connection between standards of holiness as explained in Parshat Emor and how it relates to the opportunity for second chances (Pesach Sheni).
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Take Off Your Mask at Home
We spend Purim wearing masks. But many of us wear masks all year long — especially at home. • We react instead of respond • We hide hurt behind anger • We struggle to be vulnerable • We forget who we are In this webinar we explore: • The Purim Mask • The Covid Mask • The Oxygen Mask • How to…
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Colours of Darkness
Explore the connection between Yosef's multi-coloured coat and the holiday of Chanukah.
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A Ladder Mindset
In parshas Vayeitzei Yaakov see's angels going up and down a ladder from Earth to Heaven. Why a ladder and why not steps? What can we learn from having a ladder mindset?
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The Road Not Taken
In this week's parsha G-d tells Avraham to "go to himself" and leave his home. We can learn a valuable lesson from this and how it relates to the Streetlight effect.
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Choose to be Intentional
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...
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What Can I Do For You
What can we learn from an upsherin? What does a relationship of reciprocity look like?
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King of the Jungle
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.
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Have No Fear
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?
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To Truly Lead
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.
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Without Explanation
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?
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Just Be You
In this week's Parsha, Korach has complaints about Moshe. What can we learn from the importance of looking inward instead of at others?
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See Yourself As You Really Are
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?
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It Depends How You Look At It
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?
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What Really Counts
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?
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In the Desert
Why was the Torah given in the desert? What do we gain from living a life filled with Torah & mitzvahs?
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If I Were A Rich Man
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...
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On the Mountain
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.
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It's Never Too Late
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.
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Be Holy, Be Loving
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?
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The Key to Success
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?
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To Feel Loved
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?
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Clowning Around
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.
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On the Outside Looking In
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.
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Sharing Space
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.
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Keep the Fire Burning
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?
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Finish What You Start
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?
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Take a Small Walk
Sometimes taking a small walk and sharing a smile with another person is all they need.
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It's All About the Heart
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?
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Know Who You Are
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?
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Let Your Light Shine Bright
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.
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It's All About The Details
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?
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It's All About The Relationship
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!
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Ask For Help
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.
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It's Enough
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?
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Bringing G-dliness Down
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.
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Be Who You Are
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.
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Insights and inspiration on marriage, parenting, and everything in between
HOSTED BY
Yisrael Shurack, MSW
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does From My Notebook have?
From My Notebook currently has 230 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is From My Notebook about?
Insights and inspiration on marriage, parenting, and everything in between
How often does From My Notebook release new episodes?
From My Notebook publishes regularly with 230 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to From My Notebook?
You can listen to From My Notebook on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts From My Notebook?
From My Notebook is created and hosted by Yisrael Shurack, MSW.
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