We usually focus on Moses. Maybe Aaron gets a nod. But have you ever considered Miriam’s role?

Sifrei Devarim, a collection of legal interpretations on the Book of Deuteronomy, offers a fascinating insight. It tells us that the entire forward momentum of the Israelites after leaving Egypt was, in a way, thanks to her. It says, “when you left Egypt”: the time of your redemption, and all was stopped because of her…” What does that mean, “stopped because of her?”

Well, the text goes on to explain that during all that time in the wilderness, when the tribes marched with their banners held high, they only moved forward when Miriam led the way.

It’s a powerful image, isn’t it? A woman, a prophetess, at the very head of the entire nation, guiding them towards freedom. As the prophet Micah (6:4) reminds us, "And I sent before you Moses, Aaron, and Miriam." All three were crucial.

It makes you think about leadership, doesn’t it? And about the often-overlooked contributions of women throughout history.

Now, let’s shift gears a little and delve into a different kind of law, one that speaks to our everyday interactions. Deuteronomy 24:10 states, "When your neighbor is indebted to you, any kind of debt, do not enter his house to claim his pledge."

What does this verse really mean? It seems straightforward, but the Rabbis always taught us to dig deeper.

Sifrei Devarim asks a crucial question: does this law apply only to loans? What about other kinds of debts? What about a worker who is owed their wages? What about someone who bought goods on credit at the local store?

The text answers that the phrase "any kind of debt" expands the law’s reach. It’s not just about money lent and borrowed. It encompasses all forms of obligation. The principle remains the same: treat your neighbor with respect, even when they owe you something. Don't barge into their home and demand collateral.

It’s a beautiful example of how Jewish law strives for fairness and compassion, even in the most mundane of situations. These laws remind us that ethical behavior isn't just about grand gestures, but about the small, everyday choices we make in our dealings with others.

So, what do these two seemingly unrelated passages from Sifrei Devarim have in common?

Perhaps it's that they both remind us of the importance of looking beyond the surface. To recognize the often-unseen contributions of individuals like Miriam. And to apply ethical principles to every aspect of our lives, from grand historical narratives to the simple act of collecting a debt. It's a reminder that even the smallest details can reveal profound truths about ourselves and the world we inhabit.