Today's episode, on Parashat Chukat, is full of heifers, and snakes, and curses, and blessings. It's also full of goodbyes, to some of our holy book's holiest heroes. This week, Sivan tells us, it's Miriam's time to shine. She explains that after 40 years of tough desert wandering, so close yet so far to entering the promised land, Miriam's song, dance, and prayer inspired others, with hope, optimism, and faith. But how was Miriam able to maintain this positivity without seeing the way out of darkness? And how can you yourself keep the faith like Miriam did, even through ups and downs? Listen to find out.  Sivan Rahav-Meir is a leading Israeli journalist, media personality and Torah scholar. You can sign up for her The Daily Portion WhatsApp group, where Sivan sends small insights about Judaism and current affairs. Check out Liel’s new book, How the Talmud Can Change Your Life: Surprisingly Modern Advice from a Very Old Book, available directly from the publisher, or wherever you purchase books. You can find all of Tablet’s podcasts at tabletmag.com/podcasts.