Just Try: The Power of Effort and Emunah

At the end of Sefer Shemot, we read how Bnei Yisrael completed all the parts of the Mishkan and brought everything to Moshe.

Then, in Shemot 40:17–18, it says:

“And it was in the first month… the Mishkan was erected. And Moshe erected the Mishkan.”

Wait—who put up the Mishkan?
First it says it was erected. Then it says Moshe erected it.

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So Who Actually Did It?

Rashi explains something powerful.

Moshe was told to build the Mishkan, but it was so heavy that no human being could possibly lift it. So Moshe turned to Hashem and asked:
“How can I do this?”

Hashem replied:
“Just try. Put your hand to it—and I’ll do the rest.”

And that’s exactly what happened. Moshe tried—and Hashem made it stand.

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A Lesson in Life

After all the miracles Hashem had already done, why not one more?
Why didn’t the Mishkan just float into place?
Why did Moshe have to try at all?

Because there’s a deep message here:

Hashem doesn’t ask us to succeed on our own. He just asks us to try.

That’s hishtadlus.

We put in effort—even when it feels impossible—and Hashem takes care of the rest.

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For When Life Feels Too Big

Sometimes in life, things just feel too heavy:

• Learning Torah regularly
• Fixing a middah
• Climbing out of financial stress
• Healing a relationship

We look at the challenge and think:
“There’s no way I can do this. So why even try?”

And Hashem answers:
Just try.
Take a step. Lift a finger. I’ll help you lift the rest.

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You’re Not in This Alone

That’s the power of faith and action together.

We’re not expected to do the impossible.
We’re expected to show up, give our best—and let Hashem carry the weight.

So next time something feels too big or too hard, remember:

You’re not in this alone. Your job is to try. Hashem’s job is to make it stand.