Parashat Beha’alotcha

In this week’s parashah, we are given more insight into the relationship of three fascinating siblings—Miriam, Aharon, and Moshe. I find this family to be a refreshing break from the sibling drama of the book of Bereshit—no more rivalries, no fighting over birthrights or spouses, and no selling into slavery.

To do a quick recap (this is the “previously on” section of the episode—the one you might skip while watching Netflix): we first meet these siblings when Moshe is a baby. His older sister, Miriam, watches over him as he floats down the Nile in a basket, protecting him. When he is found by Pharaoh’s daughter, Miriam even convinces the princess to hire Moshe’s mother as a nurse to care for him during infancy.

Fast forward to Moshe as an adult at the burning bush, where Hashem tells him to return to Egypt and demand that Pharaoh let the Israelites go. Moshe hesitates at first, and God reassures him that his brother Aharon will be with him and speak on his behalf. The brothers go together, time and time again, to confront Pharaoh before the Israelites are finally freed. After the miracle of the Red Sea splitting, we meet Miriam again—explicitly mentioned by name—leading the women in song and dance.

 

Each of these siblings has a role in leading the Jewish people. Each is a leader in their own way. They are not jealous of one another—they celebrate and support each other. Each has their own talents and gifts, and each is given a position of leadership and honor: Miriam is called Miriam HaNeviah—Miriam the Prophetess; Aharon is Aharon HaKohen—Aharon the High Priest; and Moshe is famously Moshe Rabbeinu—Moses our Teacher.

Today, we read that Miriam and Aharon are together, and Miriam speaks negatively about Moshe and the fact that he has separated from his wife. Immediately, Miriam is struck with tzara’at—leprosy—as punishment for speaking lashon hara. Moshe’s reaction? He forgives his sister and implores God to heal her. God responds that Miriam must be sent out of the camp for seven days until she is healed. The entire camp waits for her until she returns.

These siblings support each other, protect each other, encourage each other, and celebrate each other’s unique talents and roles within the community. They make mistakes—yes—but they forgive each other. My prayer for all of us is that we learn to emulate these qualities in our relationships with others—siblings, yes, but also with friends, family, and community.