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May 31, 2002/Sivan 20 5762, Vol. 54, No. 37
Unraveling Miriam's punishment of leprosy
Torah study
RABBI ELAINE ZECHER
B'haalot'cha/Numbers 8:1-12:16
Parashah Overview
- Those who are unable to celebrate Passover during Nisan are given a time in the month of Sivan to observe a "second Passover."
- A cloud by day and fire by night show God's Presence over the Tabernacle. When the cloud lifts from the Tabernacle, the people leave Sinai, setting out on their journey, tribe by tribe.
- Miriam and Aaron talk about the "Cushite woman" whom Moses has married. In addition, they complain that God speaks not only through Moses but also through them. Miriam is struck with leprosy, and Moses begs God to heal her.
Focal Point
When they were in Hazeroth, Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Cushite woman he had married: "He married a Cushite woman!" They said, "Has Adonai spoken only through Moses? Has God not spoken through us as well?" ... God said, "When a prophet of Adonai arises among you, I make Myself known to him in a vision. ... Not so with My servant Moses... With him I speak mouth to mouth, plainly and not in riddles...
(Then) Miriam was stricken with snow-white scales. ... And Aaron said to Moses, "O my lord, account not to us the sin that we committed in our folly." So Moses cried out to Adonai, saying, "O God, pray heal her!" (Numbers 11:35-12:15)
By the way
According to a Midrash, Miriam speaks out against Moses because she knew that he had neglected his conjugal obligations. She saw that Zipporah, his wife, took no care regarding her personal appearance. Miriam said to her, "What is the matter with you that you neglect your appearance?" She replied, "Your brother does not mind." Thus Miriam knew, and she told it to her brother (Aaron), and they both spoke against Moses.
Your guide
The above midrash tries to justify Miriam's action because of her outrage toward Moses regarding his not having conjugal relations with his wife. Is there a difference between slander and voicing an objection about a person's behavior?
D'var Torah
This episode in the journey of the Israelites raises many questions about why Miriam was punished with leprosy.
If we accept the midrash, we might gain a greater understanding about the relationships that the siblings have with one another and with God. Miriam discovers that Moses' wife has a fair grievance against her husband and wants to help her sister-in-law. She shares the information with her brother Aaron, and they both express concern about Moses' behavior.
God hears this conversation and summarizes the divine relationship with Moses. Miriam still gets leprosy. Notice the next course of events: Aaron pleads with Moses, who then beseeches God to heal Miriam. Aaron respects Moses' divine connection.
We will never be able to provide a rational reason for this case of leprosy, but we can try to understand the reactions and the relationships of those involved. Miriam's brothers sought to help her through their supplications. Let us remember that it all started when Miriam voiced a concern regarding the relationship between Zipporah and Moses. God may hear what we say, but it is the human interaction in relationships that affects the way in which we understand our world.
Rabbi Elaine Zecher is a rabbi at Temple Israel in Boston, Mass. Torat Hayim, produced by theUnion of American Hebrew Congregations, is on the Internet at www.uahc.org/growth.
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