Miriam’s Courage

by Reuven Fauman

Miriam Spiegel is no ordinary teenager.

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Published: January 26, 2013
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Visitor Comments: 34

(28) Avigail, February 4, 2013 5:58 AM

So inspiring!

Miriam! That was such a nice video:-) Thank you for sharing this , it was really amazing.

(27) connie, February 3, 2013 9:50 AM

QUESTIONS COME TO MIND....

This article about this extradinary person infers a very subtle, intimate relationship. In order for Miriam to be able to have answered, she probably have asked Hashem WHY. Why this- why me, and Hashem, in His infinite tenderness, gave her the answer that she now gives to us. Miriam asked- she was given an answer- she understood & accepted. None of this might have happened but for the faithfulness of parents, teachers and friends. I thank G-d, for all the good people He has put in her life....Stay Strong Miriam....

(26) Hindy Ross, January 31, 2013 9:25 PM

I have known Miriam for about 10 years now, and am a much better pereson for it. She is not only a beautiful person inside and out, but a funny, sensitive, caring, and loving human being. I feel priviledged to have watch her "grow up" and mature into the young woman she is today. There is so much more to say about her than what this brief video clip can capture, and viewers should realize that this is just the tip of the iceberg. The struggles Miriam has encountered for her entire life make her a real example of emunah and bitachon in daily life. Thank you to aish.com for sharing her story, and thank you Miriam for being the wonderful friend you are!

(25) Nechama, January 31, 2013 2:32 AM

A strong reminder there is always what to be thankful for

Miriam thank you for sharing your message. I needed to hear it just now as I was complaining about something trivial. And, thank you to Miriam's parents for sharing their daughter with all of us.

(24) Dvorah, January 30, 2013 9:51 PM

you are an inspiration!

Miriam - you are a smart and beautiful child with so much wisdom and encouragement! May Hashem give you a long life to spread your wisdom!

(23) Sara Yoheved Rigler, January 30, 2013 3:56 PM

Awesome

This video is so inspiring not only because Miriam is so clear-headed about the truths of life and is such an amazing example, but also because the filmmaker knew exactly which questions to ask to draw out of her what is so obvious to her but so hidden from the rest of us. Kudos to Reuven Fauman! I hope other "hidden inspirers" will find Reuven and get him to film them.

(22) Sidharth Ahluwalia, January 30, 2013 11:00 AM

she is so beuatiful

miram is a beautiful girl with lots of courage.

(21) Ari, January 30, 2013 10:08 AM

Amazing

This is such a great video. We all need to remember Hashem made us the way he chooses and we all have strengths and weaknesses. Thank you for posting this video. It has a most important message.

(20) Aleksandr Yablokov, January 30, 2013 8:45 AM

Inspiration!

Her spirit is one that I strive to adhere to.

(19) Yehudah in Chicago, January 30, 2013 5:23 AM

Hashem loves us

I recently lost my job, and needed a reminder of how special I am to Hashem. We all are. Because He made us. So beautiful. Thank you for this.

(18) goldy, January 28, 2013 7:05 PM

courageous and inspiring

this will be one of the articles I will tout as a must-read for any teen...or, for that matter, any adult. Inspiring and courageous!

(17) Jacqueline Bocian, January 28, 2013 6:18 PM

A beautiful video in honor of a very special young woman

Reuven, this is magnificent. So glad you are sending it around again, as I was not in the community six years ago when it was made. Thank you for the "introduction" to this special young woman. How about doing another video with her as the subject, six years later?

Reuven, January 29, 2013 11:29 PM

I'm really looking forward to catching up with Miriam soon.

Hi Sheindel Chana: Yes, we're looking forward to seeing her soon. Maybe we'll do a video update! Kol tuv, Reuven

(16) Anonymous, January 28, 2013 6:06 PM

Wow!

Wow! That made me cry and was exactly what I needed to hear and see. Thank you so much for posting it!

(15) Anonymous, January 28, 2013 5:03 PM

I admirer you!

I am a girl with a sickness and is now almost blind it is not always easy but I am like you I know Hashem loves us and only does the best for us! Thank you for your video ! I admirer you! Thank you, Aviva

(14) Anonymous, January 28, 2013 11:43 AM

DON'T BE FOOLED!!!

....by the exterior- Hashem has given this wonderful little person insight that surpasses many athletes and politicians. Her parents and teachers should be proud...

(13) Sara, January 28, 2013 6:11 AM

Mirs, watching this video made me so proud to be your friend!! You are an amazing person and you truly were my earliest inspiration in life. I am so happy that Hashem put you in my class so long ago and reconnected us now so much later in our lives :)

(12) Miriam's #1 Fan, January 28, 2013 5:42 AM

No one like her!

Miriam is a beacon of bitachon and simchas hachaim. She would never think so, but Miriam teaches whoever interacts with her that everyone is only given what they can handle - and she handles her pekele with grace. To know this girl is to love her!

(11) Rivka Malka, January 28, 2013 5:30 AM

This video just changed my night

A friend sent me this video just after my child had gotten into big trouble. Miriam's simple, yet profound assurance that Hashem loves us even "when we're bad" was the salve for my child's heart and the exact truth they needed to hear. Miriam, Thank you. I shared your video on my site along with the story. http://rivkamalka.com/mychildsawporn/

Joshua, January 28, 2013 1:33 PM

beg to differ

That is a mistake. Read the books. No where does is say that G-d loves those who do evil, "those who are bad," in fact, it says quite clearly G-d despises the arrogant and haughty of eyes. He is not pleased, though He holds back His full wrath, read the last Prophet. Someone should tell her this. Hate what is evil and cling to what is good. Even that is in your prayer books!

Dvirah, January 28, 2013 6:31 PM

In support of Rivkah

Miriam - and Rivkah - never said that Hashem likes evil. But even people who intend to be good make mistakes and do bad things sometimes. Hashem does not write them off because of that. And what the prayer books say is "TURN from evil" - Jews are never instructed to hate. Even with Amalek, the instruction is to eliminate the evil, but not to hate.

Shoshana -Jerusalem, January 28, 2013 7:35 PM

you misunderstood

Miriam did not say that H-shem loves bad or evil people. She said that He loves us even if we do a bad thing. She is referring to a good person who faltered and did some sin. He still loves us. Anyone can make a mistake, "there is not a person who does not sin". He surely does not hate us. Of course we have to do teshuvah.

Rivka Malka, January 28, 2013 8:31 PM

G-d is our Father

Dear Joshua, one of the basic tenants of Judaism, all the way back from when Adam and Eve sinned is that G-d accepts repentance. While he "despises evil", He is our Father and never despisesUS. He wants us to learn from our mistakes and come back to him.

David Naas, January 28, 2013 10:28 PM

Whence Comes Rightousness?

There is righteousness which comes from Hashem, and there is righteousness which some people assume they have, and which entitles them to say things they shouldn't. Reb Noach, among others, would not have done so. OTOH, maybe Hashen is just waiting, and hoping, for the chance to beat the stuffing out of anyone who doesn't live up to Certain Standards? I don't think so.

(10) Devora spigel, January 27, 2013 8:43 PM

From your little Sister

That is m'y Best Sister it makes me.cry love, sis

(9) Dorcey Chernick, January 27, 2013 8:10 PM

Miriam's depth and sensitivities motivate ,

Miriam, a teenage young women who might otherwise be overlooked, opens ones eyes by sharing her story. Miriam shares a very positive, sensitive understanding of life and faith beyond her years. Please thank her and thank you for sharing this.

(8) Anonymous, January 27, 2013 7:40 PM

Miriam Spiegel emunah leads the Jewish women of this genereation!

Thank you Miriam for remind us Jewish women of the power of our Emunah and for showing us what a true relationship with Hashem looks like!

(7) Anonymous, January 27, 2013 6:54 PM

My inspiration

Miriam, I have known you for many years, from way back in OEA. I was not zoche to be in your class, but you taught me so much-how to act when life gets rough, how to appreciate life, how to be truly happy and how to live life to the fullest. Thank you for teaching me some of life's most important lessons.

(6) tzip, January 27, 2013 6:50 PM

amazing!

that was truly inspiring!

(5) Rho, January 27, 2013 6:26 PM

G-D bless her.

(4) Ruthie, January 27, 2013 6:09 PM

WOW!

That was one of the most moving videos I have ever watched. I have never seen such a person with such true real simcha, with real and true appreciation of all she has, despite all the difficulties she faceson a day to day basis. I hope to show this to the girls in the school I'm in, to show us all what real positivity, gratitude and appreciation is. As it says in pirkei avos - who is rich? One who is happy with all he has. Miriam is truly rich in courage, inspiration, kindness and happiness! Thanks so much for this video aish.com! It has truly inspired and uplifted me and made me see what our focuses in life should be on.

(3) Cena Abergel, January 27, 2013 4:53 PM

Inspired

Thank you for sharing Miriam's story with us. Her faith in hashem gives me strength for my own trials

(2) Michal, January 27, 2013 4:39 PM

I am moved

Unbelievable. I have to "look up" to her and to learn from her, to accept things as they are and know at the same time: "This is what Hashem wants from me".

(1) Judy, January 27, 2013 2:35 PM

WOWWWW!

WHAT A SPECIAL NESHAMA!!!!! So many people complain about the little things giving them trouble in life and Miriam who could have so much to complain about about is accepting and so positive ! And the way she brings HASHEM in to the picture is AWESOME! Her parents are also wonderful with their love and support! She is greatness personified. May Hashem continue to give her and her parents chizuk to deal with everythimg. She is truly an INSPIRATION and now one of my new Heros!!!

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