Women of Valor: Miriam

This profile is part of a blog series on inspiring Jewish women from Women of Reform Judaism during March in celebration of Women’s History Month From the very first time we encounter Miriam (Exodus 2:4), her bravery and her caring stand out. In order to save her son’s life, Yocheved sends her newborn Moses down the Nile in a basket to protect him from certain death. Miriam–likely no older than a child herself–follows her brother, looking out for him and ultimately ensuring a form of family unity. Miriam approaches Pharoah’s daughter, who finds Moses, and Miriam convinces her to let Yocheved be his nurse. Miriam’s quick wit and courage kept her family intact as best as she could possibly manage in the most dire of circumstances.

The story of Exodus centers around the story of Moses, his connection with God, his leadership and liberation of the Jewish people, and his relationships with his family. Yet, it is impossible to ignore Miriam’s strength and her own leadership. However, Miriam is not mentioned by first name until Exodus 15:20, in perhaps the moment she is best known for: And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances. And Miriam sang unto them: Sing ye to the LORD, for He is highly exalted: the horse and his rider hath He thrown into the sea. And Moses led Israel onward from the Red Sea, and they went out into the wilderness of Shur… (Exodus 15:20-22) Aside from the bravery and strength she demonstrates from the beginning, this passage from Exodus is a testament to the importance of joy and expression of faith. And, not just personal expressions, but how to bring people along with you, to spread happiness and to inspire. For these reasons, Miriam is an extraordinary person who played a unique role in the story of the Jewish people. It is crucial, however, not to stop here, and to look at the next time Miriam appears–in Numbers: “And Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Cushite woman whom he had married; for he had married a Cushite woman. And they said: 'Hath the LORD indeed spoken only with Moses? hath He not spoken also with us?' And the LORD heard it.-  Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men that were upon the face of the earth.-- And the LORD spoke suddenly unto Moses, and unto Aaron, and unto Miriam: 'Come out ye three unto the tent of meeting.' And they three came out. And the LORD came down in a pillar of cloud, and stood at the door of the Tent, and called Aaron and Miriam; and they both came forth. (12:2-12:5)” Whether you interpret Miriam and her brother’s actions as discriminatory or unfair, they do speak out against their brother’s wife simply because of who she is, or as an expression of some other frustration, so it is surprisingly to see this side of Miriam’s character. For all the reasons expressed, Miriam is a role model, but she is also a person, and people aren’t perfect. God is angry at Miriam and Aaron for their treatment of Tzipporah, Moses’ wife, and descends upon them in a cloud. When the cloud lifts, “Miriam was leprous, as white as snow; and Aaron looked upon Miriam; and, behold, she was leprous. And Aaron said unto Moses: 'Oh my lord, lay not, I pray thee, sin upon us, for that we have done foolishly, and for that we have sinned. Let her not, I pray, be as one dead, of whom the flesh is half consumed when he cometh out of his mother's womb.'  And Moses cried unto the LORD, saying: 'Heal her now, O God, I beseech Thee.' (12:10-12:13)" Why is Miriam punished and not her brother? Is it because she initiated the speech against Tzipporah? Is it because Aaron was the High Priest (Kohen Gadol) and contracting leprosy would have put his holiness into question? It’s hard to say, it’s difficult to understand. The Torah is a collection of stories of extraordinary individuals, of deep faith, and of great moral lessons. But what do we do with actions today we would find reprehensible? Understanding Miriam in the context of her lifetime, in the context of constraints of her life as a woman, is important to appreciating her as an inspiring Jewish woman. What complicates this person doesn't detract from the admirable qualities. Often, the most relatable and inspiring individuals are those who have faults, but in whom we see strength, bravery, love, and faith.