Introduction to course and the sin of Miriam

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Questions and Answers

What event happened on 17 Tammuz 2448?

The Jewish People were punished for making the golden calf and Moshe smashed the luchot.

What happened on 9 Av 2449?

The spies came back with a negative report about the land of Israel and the people accepted it rather than trusting God

What happened on the 6th Sivan?

The giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai

What exactly was Miriam and Aharon's criticism of Moshe? Explain your answer, quoting the text and the Rashi.

Miriam and Aharon's criticism of Moshe was that he separated from his wife, implying that he was being arrogant and acting as if he was greater than them. This can be seen in the text when Miriam says, 'Pity their poor wives for if they have powers of prophecy they will separate from their wives like my husband has separated from me.' Rashi explains that Miriam knew about Moshe's separation from his wife because she was next to Tzipporah when it was told to Moshe that Eldad and Meidad were prophesying in the camp. Signup and view all the answers

What do you think Miriam and Aharon did that was wrong? Explain your answer.

Miriam and Aharon were wrong in criticizing Moshe and speaking negatively about him. They should not have made assumptions about his actions and should not have spoken ill of him. Even though Miriam did not mean to criticize Moshe, she was still punished for her words. Moshe was on a higher spiritual level than they were and they shouldn't have questions his decision Signup and view all the answers

Why do you think Miriam is singled out by the Torah for misbehaving? Quote Rashi and give your view on Rashi's reasoning.

Miriam is singled out by the Torah for misbehaving because she was the one who initiated the criticism of Moshe. Rashi explains that Miriam spoke first, implying that she took the lead in this negative conversation. Additionally, Rashi suggests that Miriam's punishment was more severe because she should have known better, being the older sister of Moshe and Aharon. Miriam's actions serve as a lesson to show the consequences of speaking ill of others, especially when it is unwarranted. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Hashem punish Miriam through tzaraat? Do you think such a punishment is suitable for what she did wrong? Explain your answer.

Hashem punished Miriam through tzaraat, a skin disease, as a consequence for her negative speech about Moshe. Tzaraat was seen as a spiritual affliction that served as a warning or punishment for wrongdoing. In this case, it was a fitting punishment because Miriam's words were harmful and disrespectful. Tzaraat not only physically affected Miriam, but it also isolated her from the community, symbolizing the consequences of her actions. This punishment was meant to teach Miriam and others the severity of speaking negatively about others. Signup and view all the answers

How did Miriam become aware that Moshe had separated from his wife?

When Eldad and Medad were prophesying in the camp, Moshe's wife said she felt sorry for their wives as they would have to separate just like she did Signup and view all the answers

What happened on the 10th Tishrei 2449?

Moshe came down Mount Sinai with the second set of tablets from Hashem Signup and view all the answers

How did Eldad and Medad end up prophesying in the camp?

Moshe was to have 70 assistants, who would gain prophesy. Eldad and Medad didn't think they would be chosen so they didn't attend the meeting and remained in the camp. But once the prophesy began for the others they also started to receiving prophesy. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Events on Specific Dates

On 17 Tammuz 2448, the walls of Jerusalem were breached during the siege by the Babylonians, leading to the eventual destruction of the First Temple.
On 9 Av 2449, the report of the spies regarding the Promised Land caused widespread despair among the Israelites, leading God to decree that the generation would wander in the desert for 40 years.

Meaning of 'Hallelu'

'Hallelu' is derived from Hebrew, meaning "praise" and is often used as part of "Hallelujah," a call to praise God.

Criticism of Moshe by Miriam and Aharon

Miriam and Aharon criticized Moshe for his unique separation from his wife, Tzipporah, claiming that he elevated himself above them and suggesting it was similar or worse than the common people.
Rashi interprets their criticism as a questioning of Moshe's leadership and decision-making, implying they believed they were equally prophets with insights into his actions.

Wrongdoings of Miriam and Aharon

Their criticism was a breach of the respect due to a leader chosen by God, demonstrating a lack of confidence in his authority.
Speaking ill of Moshe created division and doubt among the people, undermining his leadership.

Miriam's Singling Out

The Torah emphasizes Miriam's role to stress the gravity of her actions, as she was the instigator in the criticism, reflecting her influence.
Rashi suggests that Miriam's prominence in deceitful speech amplifies the lesson about the repercussions of speech against a divinely chosen leader.

Punishment of Miriam through Tzaraat

Tzaraat is a form of spiritual and physical affliction seen as a divine punishment for gossip or slander.
The punishment served to teach Miriam a lesson about the consequences of her words. Whether it is deemed suitable varies; it can be argued that the severity underscores the importance of respectful behavior towards leaders in a religious community.

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Description

Test your knowledge of the events during the travels of the ‫בני ישראל in the ‫מדבר from 2448-2449. Match up the events with the corresponding dates and see how well you know this important period in Jewish history. Can you recall when the Jewish people were punished and told to spend 40 years in the desert? Or when Moshe sent out the spies? Challenge yourself and see how many correct matches you can make!