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Channels Women’s Learning A Taste of Text

Doing the Impossible

A Taste of Text—Shemot

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Doing the Impossible: A Taste of Text—Shemot

When confronted with a situation that seems hopeless, don’t resign yourself to inactivity with the excuse that the little you can do can’t possibly make a difference.

Handouts:	Shemot
Audio:	Listen to Audio \| Download this MP3
Topics:	Bithiah, Moses at the Burning Bush, Enslavement in Egypt, Shemot

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Chana Weisberg is host of the Ordinary People, Extraordinary Stories podcast and curator of advanced learning experiences on Chabad.org. She lectures internationally on issues relating to women, relationships, meaning, self-esteem and the Jewish soul. She is the author of six books. Her latest book, Shabbat Delights, is a two-volume series on the weekly Torah portion.

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Myriam Lancaster January 7, 2026

This is an interesting drasha. Women have been the ones holding family together. In my family, my mom was the one who kept us together & taught us to trust H"
She showed us through her actions to not speak Lashon hara.
She taught us that if we didn't have anything good to say, don't say anything. It's amazing that Batia's arm stretched out because H" helped her.
I'm glad Miriam's father listened to her about getting back with his wife, Yohabed. Truly, a love story Reply

Miriam January 2, 2016

free translation of Likutei Sichos volume 36 When a person truly trusts in Hashem alone from the depths of his soul, to the extent that he has no worry at all, this very arousal of trust effects a response from Hashem to treat him in this way, granting kindness (even if he would otherwise not be worthy of such kindness).
This, then, is what is meant by the command to trust in Hashem: that a person should “throw his burden on Hashem,” relying on Him to grant visible and explicit good. When he trusts in Hashem alone (without making calculations as to whether or not it is possible to be saved, etc.), this causes an equivalent response toward him in the spiritual spheres. Hashem watches over him and has mercy on him, even if according to the calculations he does not deserve to be granted the kind of good that is visibly and explicitly positive. Reply

miriam January 2, 2016

Our actions create reactions To add to the vital lesson of this class:
Chassidus teaches us that our actions don't only influence us on a personal level, but they are the channel for G-d's blessings. As an example, in in Likutei Sichos volume 36 the Rebbe explains the saying of the Tzemach Tzedek “טראכט גוט וועט זיין גוט—Think good, and it will be good.” Reply

gideon israel raanana December 29, 2015

nice lesson I like the meaning of Miriam as rebelling against bitterness/
I know I few Miriams who will like that one
thanks kol tov
Gideon Ben Yacov Reply

Aviva, Michigan saginaw, mi January 14, 2012

Mrs. Weisberg's shiur This was truly excellent! I am so happy I watched this. It was inspiring, and an important reminder that so much of what we "see" is a challenge for us to grow and move forward. Reply

Anonymous kansas city, Ks,Usa January 13, 2012

update Temendous hand out- ok video ,just ok? ok very ok!! tnx Reply

rick geiger Pittsford, New York January 13, 2012

I am there I am in the place where ONLY Hashem can help. I will keep you all informed about what happens Reply

Ron Faulk Leesburg, Fl. January 12, 2012

Doing The Impossible When we find ourselves in a place that we have ONLY G-d to depend on, we're in the place where G-d works best. As long as WE have an option, we'll take it.
Thank you for this teaching! EXCELLENT JOB!! Reply

Mr. rick geiger January 10, 2012

Interesting Some people have very serious problems that are not easily fixed with a little effort. They need the direct help from HaShem Reply

Sam G January 10, 2021

in response to Mr. rick geiger:

Just happened upon your comment. I hope that since then, your prayers have been answered and your life has improved. Reply

Anonymous kansas city, Ks,usa January 9, 2012

handout tremendous handout ,good subject-thanks! Reply

A Taste of Text

Each 20-minute video class uses a text from the weekly Torah portion to convey a contemporary insight on leading a more enriched life. Source sheets are included to help students follow along and gain a "taste" of the actual texts studied.

Doing the Impossible: A Taste of Text—Shemot

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