This Shabbat we read a unique instance of Lashon Harah, speaking behind the back of another. Moshe’s own brother and sister talk about him, more specifically about his Cushite wife, saying: “He married a Cushite woman!” (Numbers 12:1). Many commentators debate the deeper meaning behind these words. Targum Jonathan implies that Miriam was arguing that Moshe didn’t want a Cushite wife[1] and she was forced on him. Rashi and Sifrei Bamidbar sing a different tune and imply that Miriam was relaying to Aaron a juicy tidbit about Moshe and Tzipporah’s lack of intimacy.[2] Sefaria’s translation and punctuation imply that they were highlighting the fact that she was Cushite, otherwise her background wouldn’t be mentioned, thus focusing on the color of her skin and her identification with a people other than the Tribe of Israel.
Miriam is severely punished for speaking ill of another because of their cultural affiliation. It’s an important moment for the Torah. Right as the Israelites are forming as a nation, the Torah makes a bold statement about embracing those who are among you and are not Israelite. Even just talking about a person for being “other” brings leprosy on the speaker. Many overlook this moment or choose to interpret it in other ways, but it should not be ignored for the potential it has to open us up to embracing those who throw their lot in with the Jewish people through marriage.
In our age, it’s not enough to be tolerant. We must be welcoming and loving. Being open to all does not make you less authentic. One can have boundaries and clear delineations within tradition while also, being open hearted and careful with language. This past Rosh Hashanah, we offered up a blessing for all the partners and family members within the community who were not Jewish but were raising Jewish children and fostering a Jewish family. Instead of using our language to push away it’s important to take from this parasha encouragement to use our language to draw people near.
To read more about the Conservative Movement and our approach to welcoming interfaith families, click here.
Shabbat shalom, Rabbi Bernstein
[1] Numbers 12:1 And Miriam and Aharon spake against Mosheh words that were not becoming with respect to the Kushaitha whom the Kushaee had caused Mosheh to take when he had fled from Pharoh, but whom he had sent away because they had given him the queen of Kush, and he had sent her away. [2] ותדבר מרים ואהרן AND MIRIAM AND AARON SPAKE — She opened the conversation, therefore Scripture mentions her first. And whence did Miriam know that Moses had separated himself from his wife (for this was the statement she made; cf. Rashi below)? R. Nathan answered: “Miriam was beside Zipporah When it was told to Moses, ‘Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp’ (Numbers 11:17 ). When Zipporah heard this, she exclaimed, Woe to the wives of these if they have anything to do with prophecy, for they will separate from their wives just has my husband has separated from me!” It was from this that Miriam knew about it, and she told it to Aaron. Now what was the case with Miriam who had no intention to disparage him? She was punished thus severely! How much the more will this be so in the case of one who intentionally speaks in disparagement of this fellow”! (Sifrei Bamidbar 99).
Services Friday, June 1 - Thursday, June 7
FRIDAY Family Kabbalat Shabbat, 6:30 PM SATURDAY Nosh & Drash, , 9:00 AM Shabbat, 9:45 AM - Bar Mitzvah of Jason Zaslansky SUNDAY
Minyan, 9:00 AM MONDAY Minyan, 6:30 AM THURSDAY Minyan, 8:00 AM
Watch Cantor Myerson perform an original Yiddish song live from the Cantors Assembly Convention in Florida! Monday, June 4 at 8 PM - 10 PM PGA National Resort & Spa, 400 Avenue of the Champions, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida 33418 Watch live online: HERE Treasures of Yiddish Song is a free concert, open to the public, and it will be streamed live to Facebook for those who aren't able to join us in person at the Cantors Assembly Convention in Florida. N.B. the live feed will only be available during the concert. It will not be available after the fact. Join us for an evening of treasures from our Yiddish musical heritage, including are song, folk song, klezmer, and the Yiddish Theater. Performances by some of America's greatest cantors and interpreters of yiddish song.
