At the end of this week’s Torah portion, the prophetess Miriam is punished with Tzaras( a type of of leprosy that was manifested in the skin due to the sin of Lashon Hara-evil speech-). Miriam was admonished by G-d for criticizing her brother Moses for separating from his wife Tzipora to Aaron her other brother.
Miriam meant well, she was voicing her concern for her brothers decision. We might even think that her statement didn’t even fall into the category of evil speech.
First we have to understand that Miriam wasn’t a regular lady, she was a prophetess and Moses wasn’t a regular guy, he was the Shepard of the Jewish people. She didn’t take into account that everything Moses did was G-d’s orders.
Every day in our prayers we read a paragraph in the “Six Remembrances”, which includes “Remember what the Lord your G-d did to Miriam on the way, as you came out of Egypt.-11”
Interestingly we are commanded to remember what G-d did to Miriam but not what Miriam did and why was she punished so severely?
To teach us that G-d does not dispense one size fits all type of Justice. Everyone is judged accordingly to his spiritual standing, his abilities and potential. And for most of us Miriam’s behavior would of been ok, but for someone like her it was considered sinful.
Next time you are going to say something about someone ask yourself “is this befitting to me?”
Live a little higher
