Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the context of Numbers 12:13, where Moshe prays for Miriam?
A: Numbers 12:13 occurs after Miriam (Moshe's sister) is stricken with tzara'at (a spiritual skin affliction) for speaking negatively about Moshe (Numbers 12:1-10). Moshe immediately prays to Hashem with the short but powerful plea: 'אֵל נָא רְפָא נָא לָהּ' ('Please, God, heal her!'). This shows Moshe's compassion and forgiveness, despite the wrongdoing against him.
Q: Why does Moshe use the word 'נָא' (please) twice in his prayer for Miriam?
A: Rashi explains that the double use of 'נָא' (please) emphasizes Moshe's urgency and heartfelt plea. The Talmud (Berachot 34a) teaches that prayer should be sincere and persistent. Moshe's repetition shows his deep concern for Miriam's wellbeing, despite her earlier criticism of him.
Q: What can we learn from Moshe's prayer for Miriam in this verse?
A: This verse teaches the importance of forgiveness and compassion. Even though Miriam spoke against Moshe, he did not hold a grudge but instead prayed sincerely for her healing. The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 7:7-8) emphasizes that one should not bear hatred but rather seek peace and the wellbeing of others, even those who wrong them.
Q: How does this verse relate to the power of prayer in Judaism?
A: Moshe's short but powerful prayer demonstrates that effective prayer does not require lengthy words but rather sincerity and faith. The Talmud (Berachot 32b) teaches that prayer is a central mitzvah, and even great leaders like Moshe turned to Hashem in times of need. This verse also shows that prayers for healing (refuah) are deeply rooted in Jewish tradition.
Q: Why is Miriam's healing significant in this story?
A: Miriam's healing (after Moshe's prayer) highlights the importance of repentance and divine mercy. Though she was punished for speaking against Moshe, her tzara'at was temporary. The Midrash (Sifrei Bamidbar 105) notes that Miriam waited for Moshe when he was a baby (Exodus 2:4), and now Moshe 'waited' for her recovery (Numbers 12:15), showing the bond between siblings and the value of gratitude.
Context of the Verse
This verse (Bamidbar 12:13) describes Moshe Rabbeinu's prayer for his sister Miriam after she was afflicted with tzara'at (a spiritual skin affliction) for speaking negatively about him. The brevity and urgency of Moshe's prayer—"Heal her now, O God, I pray thee"—demonstrates his deep compassion and desire for her immediate recovery.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi (Bamidbar 12:13) notes that Moshe's prayer was exceptionally short—just five words in Hebrew (אֵל נָא רְפָא נָא לָהּ)—to teach that one should not prolong prayers when requesting mercy for others. The double use of "נָא" ("please" or "now") emphasizes Moshe's urgency and humility in beseeching Hashem.
Rambam on Prayer for Healing
Rambam (Hilchot Tefillah 1:2) derives from this verse that praying for the sick is a fundamental mitzvah. Moshe's immediate response to Miriam's affliction serves as a model for how we should react when others are in distress—without delay and with heartfelt supplication.
Midrashic Insights
Halachic Implications
The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 119:1) cites this verse as a source for the custom to recite a brief prayer for the sick, such as "רפואה שלמה" ("complete healing"), following Moshe's concise yet powerful example. The Mishnah Berurah adds that one should pray with the same sincerity and immediacy as Moshe Rabbeinu.