Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moshe regarding the Cushite woman he had married, for he had married a Cushite woman. (12:1) Rashi explains
Regarding the woman: Concerning her divorce. [Tanchuma Tzav 13] Miriam and Aaron’s criticism of Moshe at divorcing his wife and accusing Him of doing it on his own and not being the commandment of Hashem, is a little difficult to understand. It was Miriam, the devoted and loyal sister who as a little girl stood alone on the banks of the Nile river and watched little Moshe in the ark, maintained her faith when all the adults had abandoned hope in Egypt. How could this same sister be the one to accuse Moshe of this wrongdoing? Secondly, Why did Hashem punish her with such strictness and speed? Another difficulty is, why didn’t Aaron get a punishment, when he also spoke on Moshe?
The following explanation can answer these questions. Moshe knew that Hashem selected him as the teacher and spiritual leader of the people. The purpose of the exodus to freedom from Mitzraim was to accept the Torah. The people needed a teacher and Moshe was the chosen candidate for that job. The task was difficult as, he would have to devote his entire life to anticipating the needs of the people and to protect them. He is not entitled to enjoy life in an ordinary way like any other human being. That is why Chazal say that he separated himself from his wife. He had to give up any relationship with his own children and wife to answer properly to Hashem’s calling.
In the census taken in the Midbar, the Torah calls the children of Aharon as the children of Moshe and Aharon. It does not mention Moshe's own children. Even when they are counted in Divrei Hayamim, they are referred to as the children of Menashe. Why not call them the children of Moshe? Because Moshe could not have his own children. If Moshe would have children he would be responsible to first teach them Torah, as the Mitzvah is to teach your own child first before others. But Moshe was the teacher of all Israel, he could not have favorites. Hashem told Moshe that he must remain with Hashem at Har Sinai, even though the rest of the people could return to their tents. Moshe now realized that his acceptance of leadership meant completely giving up his own personal life.
Miriam and Aaron did not recognize this unique role of Moshe. Miriam said that she and Aaron are also prophets, yet they maintain a family life. Why should Moshe be different and separate from his wife? They did not recognize the special role of Moshe and how he was indeed different from all other prophets. He is consecrated fully to Hashem. His Prophecy is at an entire different level then the other Prophets. Chazal teach us that when Hashem relayed his Prophecy to the Neviim, every Navi heard. Whereas by Moshe only He heard as Hashem spoke to him as to say mouth to mouth, meaning only Moshe heard.
In regard to the punishment of Miriam, Chaza’’l teach us that Miriam spoke against Moshe Rabbeinu in a manner that was defined by the Almighty as Lashon Horah, slanderous speech. While it was not of the nature of pure Lashon Harah, that we might deem inappropriate, the Divine measuring stick for His closest devotees is much more exacting. Thus, Miriam was punished with tzaraas, a Divinely-imposed skin affliction, (often referred to as leprosy - but in no way of the same nature). This punishment was reserved for those whose speech left much to be desired. Since Miriam instigated the conversation, she was the individual who was punished.
This answers another difficulty, as Rashi says that Miriam should have been punished for fourteen days. However, since she meant well, her punishment was reduced to seven days. Hence, Aaron only followed the words of Miriam, and didn’t receive a severe punishment as Miriam did. Yet the Mefarshim say that Aaron did receive a punishment, but to the honor of Aaron the Torah didn’t reveal what it was.
Miriam, whose intentions were not malicious in any way, was nonetheless rebuked stronger. Even though she meant well, this gave no room for doubt of the reason for her punishment. Therefore, Miriam was rebuked immediately. If so how much more so should we all be careful in our speech. We must take great care when speaking about others. This ultimately was meant as a lesson for future generations, as to how careful we must be when discussing about others, even if we have no intention of slander. One has no business discussing anything about other people, as this may lead to Lashon Harah. This is known as purity of speech.
(Yehuda Z. Klitnick)
