Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Deuteronomy 24:9 mean when it says to remember what happened to Miriam?
A: This verse reminds us to remember how Miriam, the sister of Moshe and Aharon, was temporarily afflicted with tzara'at (a spiritual skin condition) after speaking negatively about Moshe (Numbers 12:1-10). The Torah teaches us the seriousness of lashon hara (negative speech) and the importance of guarding our words.
Q: Why is the incident with Miriam mentioned in Deuteronomy 24:9?
A: Rashi explains that this reminder is placed near the laws of tzara'at (Deuteronomy 24:8) to teach that just as Miriam was punished for speaking lashon hara despite her high spiritual level, we must be especially careful with our speech. The Rambam (Hilchot Tumat Tzara'at 16:10) also cites this as a warning against gossip.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Deuteronomy 24:9 today?
A: The Chofetz Chaim teaches that this verse reminds us that even great people like Miriam can stumble in speech, so we must constantly work on avoiding lashon hara. The Talmud (Arachin 15b) says negative speech is as serious as the three cardinal sins, showing how vital proper speech is in Jewish life.
Q: How does Miriam's punishment relate to the Exodus mentioned in Deuteronomy 24:9?
A: The Midrash (Tanchuma Metzora 1) connects this to the Exodus by noting that Miriam waited by the Nile to see what would happen to baby Moshe (Exodus 2:4), showing her great merit. Despite this, she was still held accountable for her later speech, teaching that past merits don't excuse current wrongs.
Q: Why does the Torah say to remember Miriam's punishment 'on the way' out of Egypt?
A: Sforno explains that this emphasizes it happened during the Israelites' journey, showing that even during difficult travels when people might be more prone to complain or speak negatively, one must still guard their speech. The 'way' also symbolizes that proper speech is part of our lifelong spiritual journey.
Context of the Verse
The verse (Devarim 24:9) commands the Jewish people to remember what Hashem did to Miryam during the Exodus from Mitzrayim. This refers to the incident in Bamidbar 12, where Miryam spoke critically about Moshe Rabbeinu and was afflicted with tzara'at (a spiritual skin affliction) as a consequence.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi (Devarim 24:9) explains that this remembrance serves as a warning against speaking lashon hara (evil speech). He emphasizes that if Miryam—a prophetess, the sister of Moshe, and one who saved him as a baby—was punished for speaking improperly, how much more so will an ordinary person be held accountable for such speech.
Rambam's Perspective
Rambam (Hilchot Tumat Tzara'at 16:10) cites this verse as a foundational lesson in the severity of lashon hara. He writes that the Torah specifically mentions this incident to teach that even great individuals must be cautious with their words, and that the punishment for lashon hara is swift and severe.
Midrashic Insights
Halachic Implications
The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 606:3) references this verse in the context of the Yom Kippur service, where it is read to remind people of the gravity of lashon hara. The Mishnah Berurah (606:10) adds that this serves as a call to introspection and teshuvah (repentance) for sins of speech.
Chassidic Interpretation
The Baal Shem Tov taught that this verse reminds us that even constructive criticism must be delivered with the purest intentions. Miryam's mistake was not in her concern for Moshe, but in the way she expressed it—teaching that the manner of speech is as important as the content.