You probably know Miriam as a prophetess, a singer, a leader. But she was also human, and like all of us, she wasn't perfect. There's a story in Legends of the Jews (Ginzberg) about a time when Miriam was struck with leprosy. It was a punishment, the text tells us, for a sin she committed. We're not going to delve into the specifics of the sin here, but let's focus on the aftermath because that's where the real magic happens.
Now, you might think a punishment like that would diminish someone, make them an outcast. But in Miriam’s case, it revealed just how crucial she was to the entire Israelite community. The people were ready to move on, to continue their journey. They packed their belongings, saddled their animals... But then, something strange happened. The pillar of cloud, which guided them through the desert, wasn't moving.
They searched for Moses and Aaron, but they were nowhere to be seen at the head of the procession. Even more perplexing, the well – the miraculous well that provided them with water throughout their travels – had vanished! What was going on? They were forced to turn back, to return to their camp and wait.
And they waited. For a whole week.
Imagine that: sixty myriads – that’s hundreds of thousands of people – plus the portable sanctuary, all stalled, all waiting for Miriam to be healed. Why? Because her fate was intertwined with theirs. According to Legends of the Jews, the cloud, the well, everything was held back until she recovered. The moment she was well, the pillar of cloud moved again, signaling the people that they could continue their journey. It was a clear sign: they had been held back because of this righteous prophetess.
But why such a profound reaction? Why would the entire nation halt for one person? The answer, it's said, lies in a kind deed Miriam performed long ago, when Moses was just a baby. You remember the story: Moses was placed in a basket and set adrift on the Nile. Miriam, his brave sister, stood watch, walking along the shore, anxious about her baby brother's fate.
The Legends of the Jews connects this act of selfless devotion to the nation's week-long wait. Just as Miriam waited by the water's edge for Moses, the people waited for her. It was a reward, a divine recognition of her compassion and unwavering loyalty.
So, what's the takeaway here? It's a reminder that even seemingly small acts of kindness can have enormous consequences. Miriam’s concern for her baby brother not only saved his life, but also shaped her destiny and, in turn, the destiny of an entire nation. Her story encourages us to remember that every act of compassion, every moment of patience, every time we choose to stand by someone, it all matters. Maybe more than we can ever know.