The Three Worthy Kisses and Aaron's Greeting of Moses

Midrash Tanchuma Buber, Shemot 25:2

Curated by Arthur·Translated by Maggid (Beta)·

Another interpretation of (Exodus 4:27) "and he kissed him": All kisses are of frivolity, except for three, and these are they: the kiss of parting, the kiss of high office, and the kiss of reunion. The kiss of parting, as it is said (Ruth 1:14), "And Orpah kissed her mother-in-law." The kiss of high office, as it is said (I Samuel 10:1), "Then Samuel took the flask of oil and poured it upon his head and kissed him, and said..." The kiss of reunion, as it is said (Exodus 4:27), "So he went and met him at the mountain of God and kissed him."

Themes

PriesthoodMosesWisdomEgyptWomen

Biblical References

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Mekhilta DeRabbi YishmaelThen Miriam the Prophetess, the Sister(Exodus 15:20) introduces Miriam with a curious title: "the prophetess, the sister of Aaron." The Mekhilta immediately spots the problem. Miriam was the sister Midrash AggadahAaron Pleads for Miriam and Prays Over His SisterWhen Miriam was struck white as snow, her brother Aaron did not turn away. He turned to Moses and began his plea: "Lay not, we pray, upon us this sin." But AaroSifra, Mekhilta deMiluimMoses Clothes the Sons of Aaron in Their Priestly TunicsOn the day the priesthood was born, Moses stood not above his brother but beside him, his hands the hands of a servant. He had robed Aaron in the garments of hoMidrash TanchumaWhy Did He Permit Moses to Go to a Place Where Idols Were Worshipped2:16). Was it proper for this righteous man to go to the home of an idolater? After all, since the Holy one, blessed be He, detests idolatry, why did he permit Midrash TanchumaThe Israelites on to God, O That Thou Wert as My Brother, Yet You FindAnother comment upon the verse And the Lord said to Aaron: “Go into the wilderness to meet Moses” (Exod. 4:27). Scripture says elsewhere in reference to this veMidrash Tanchuma Buber, VaeraWhy Pharaoh Also Called Moses and Aaron in VaeraThe sages bent close over a single word. The verse does not merely say that Pharaoh called Moses and Aaron during the plague. It says he also called. Why "also"