It’s a recurring theme in our tradition, and each instance carries a powerful lesson.
Today, let's delve into the story of the eighth time God “descended,” as recounted in Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer, chapter 54. This isn't a physical descent, mind you, but a drawing near, a manifestation of the Divine presence. This time, it happens at the Mishkan, the Tabernacle, that portable sanctuary that accompanied the Israelites in the desert. We read in Numbers 12:5, "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."
What happens next is… revealing. God essentially says to Aaron and Miriam: If someone speaks ill of another in secret, it's already terrible. But if you, siblings, slander your own brother? That's a whole different level.
The context? They'd been criticizing Moses for marrying a Cushite woman. It seems like a private family matter, but the implications are far-reaching. Their words, their lashon hara, their evil tongue, poisoned the atmosphere.
And God wasn't pleased. "And the anger of the Lord was kindled against them; and he departed," the text tells us (Num. 12:9). The Divine presence withdrew. Then, "And the cloud removed from over the Tent" (Num. 12:10). Immediately, Miriam is struck with tzara'at, often translated as leprosy – though it’s more of a spiritual malady manifested physically.
Why Miriam? Perhaps because, as some commentaries suggest, she initiated the criticism. The text doesn't explicitly say, but the implication is there.
God, in a way, shows mercy. Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer points out that if Aaron, the High Priest, were also afflicted, he wouldn't be able to perform his duties. Instead, he is left to witness his sister's suffering. "And Aaron looked upon Miriam, and, behold, she was leprous" (Num. 12:10). Imagine the shock, the horror, the realization of the consequences of their actions.
Aaron, now humbled, turns to Moses. "O our lord, Moses!" he pleads. "Brethren do not suffer themselves to be separated one from the other except through death." He quotes Hosea 13:15, "Though he be fruitful among his brethren." He begs Moses to intercede, saying that Miriam, while still alive, is effectively separated from them. He also points out that all of Israel will now know that the sister of Moses and Aaron is leprous, and some of that shame will fall on Moses as well.
Moses, ever the compassionate leader, is moved by Aaron's words. He doesn't hesitate. He cries out to God, in what is perhaps one of the shortest, yet most powerful prayers in the Torah: "El na refa na la" – "Heal her now, O God, I beseech Thee" (Num. 12:13).
And God listens. Miriam is healed, though she must still endure a period of separation and purification.
What can we take away from this story? It’s a potent reminder of the power of words, especially within families and communities. Lashon hara, gossip, slander – it's not just idle chatter. It has real consequences. It can poison relationships, damage reputations, and even, as we see here, invoke Divine displeasure.
But it's also a story about repentance, forgiveness, and the power of prayer. Aaron acknowledges their wrongdoing, and Moses, despite being the target of their criticism, immediately pleads for his sister's healing. Their relationship, though tested, is ultimately strengthened.
Maybe the next time we're tempted to speak negatively about someone, we can pause and remember Miriam, Aaron, and Moses. Maybe we can choose instead to speak words of kindness, understanding, and healing. Because ultimately, that's what God wants from us.