Miriam Is For the Girls by Zoe Carlin

The Book of Exodus is a well-known scripture, and it is one that many Jews, Christians, and even people who are non-religious are very familiar with. Growing up, our family continued to tell this story year after year during Passover. It was one of many classic Torah readings shown to us in our temple. So, one of the key figures in this story is Miriam, Moses’ older sister. Most remember that she helped her mother deliver Moses in secret at the Nile River when he was an infant due to the Pharaoh setting an order to kill every Hebrew son because of concerns of the population growing too much (Exodus 11:5-6). She also assisted in leading the Israelites across the Red Sea when Moses opened it up for the Hebrews to cross (Exodus 14:21-22). An article titled “Miriam: Midrash and Aggadah” shares a deeper analysis of the roles that Miriam upheld as a sister, a daughter, and a woman during this time. It has also informed my understanding of Miriam’s story.

The influence that Miriam had as a prophetess was powerful, and her spiritual wisdom and leadership were pretty important when looking at the Israelite’s journey. She was presented in the Midrash as a bold and courageous figure who was not afraid to speak her truth or take initiative when there was a time of crisis. A notable example of Miriam’s strength was during the parting of the Red Sea. Moses and God were given credit for the parting of the sea itself in the Torah, but according to the Midrash, Miriam helped to lead the women in song and to calm people down who were anxious. This inspired the people, specifically the women, to celebrate the event, to keep their composure, and to have pride. Miriam was depicted as being very musical. Singing, playing a tambourine, and using music as a safe haven for her people ultimately highlights her influence as being more than just passive or being an observer.

In addition, she also had the role of being Moses’ older sister, which was very valuable to observe in the story. It was noted in the Midrash that she was not a fan of the Egyptian Pharaoh and his rulings. And, it was Miriam who kept a close eye on the basket that baby Moses was floating in down the Nile River, until it was safely found by the Pharaoh’s daughter. Before Moses was even born, Hebrew families were debating whether or not it would have been best to practice abstinence due to the risk of having a baby boy. They did, in fact, agree to do this so no family’s hearts would be broken when their sons would be murdered. Yet, Miriam disagreed and spoke openly of her critiques. She stated to her father that having this approach would be even worse than what the Pharaoh was suggesting. Her reasoning was by practicing abstinence, no Israelite children, boy or girl, would be born. Her father realized that she had a point and he convinced the other men to try to produce children with their wives so that their lineage would continue. It was Miriam’s wisdom and persistence that kept the preservation of her brother’s life and the existence of the Israeli people alive for countless generations.

Through biblical text and interpretations in the Midrash, it was seen that Miriam had challenged typical gender roles for that patriarchal period. She was a fierce leader in a time where leadership roles were typically reserved for men, yet she was well respected and her voice carried a huge weight. Miriam shows in several instances that women in ancient times can display courage, grace, and influence. I am inspired by her profound impact, and it brings me back to when I was a young girl sitting in the temple with my peers; Miriam has been a major part of my warm memories at the synagogue. And even today, Miriam is seen as one of the most well regarded and influential women in Jewish culture and literature.

Sources:
https://www.compellingtruth.org/Miriam-in-the-Bible.html
https://jwa.org/encyclopedia/article/miriam-midrash-and-aggadah