A Woman of Strength: Miriam’s Bold Spirit
Miriam the Prophetess first appears in the Torah under the name Puah, one of the two Hebrew midwives who bravely stood up to Pharaoh. She earned the name Puah because she gently calmed the newborn babies, soothing them with her voice. From this early account, we see Miriam’s character: a woman of courage who upheld her principles, even when confronting the king of Egypt.
Because of her unwavering stand against Pharaoh, Miriam was richly rewarded. The Midrash Rabbah states: “Rabbi Berachiah said in the name of Rabbi Chiya bar Abba… 'The fear of Hashem is wisdom.’ What is the reward of fear? Torah. Because Yocheved feared Hashem, Moshe came from her... and from Miriam came Bezalel, who was filled with wisdom… and built the Ark of the Torah, which is called 'good.’”
Miriam also courageously challenged her father, Amram, the spiritual leader of the generation. After Pharaoh decreed that all newborn males be cast into the Nile, Amram divorced his wife to prevent future births. Following his example, other Israelites did the same.
In the aftermath of this incident, Miriam boldly confronted him: “Father, your decree is harsher than Pharaoh’s. Pharaoh only decreed against the males; you decreed against both males and females. Pharaoh’s decree only affects this world; your decree impacts both this world and the next. Pharaoh is wicked, and his decree may or may not come true. You are righteous, and your decree certainly will.”
Amram accepted her rebuke, reunited with his wife, and the people followed suit. As a result, Moshe was born and ultimately became the redeemer of Israel, all because of Miriam’s words.
Miriam’s Prophecy and Role Among the Leaders
Tractate Megillah lists Miriam among the seven prophetesses who led Israel. She prophesied: “My mother is destined to give birth to a son who will redeem Israel.”
When Moshe was born, the house filled with joy and light for three months. But when Egyptian informers approached, forcing the family to place Moshe in the Nile, it seemed Miriam had been wrong.
Tractate Sotah recounts: “When they placed him in the river, Amram stood and struck Miriam on the head. He said: ‘Daughter, where is your prophecy?’” Her mother also doubted her. Yet Miriam stood firm in her belief and watched from the reeds to see how Hashem would fulfill His promise.
Tractate Ta’anit names Miriam, alongside Moshe and Aaron, as one of three great leaders who sustained the people. Targum Yonatan explains that Miriam’s role was to teach and encourage the women, strengthening their faith and commitment to continue building the nation despite hardship.
In Shemot Rabbah, she is referred to as Efrat: “Why was she called Efrat? Because Israel multiplied and flourished through her" (this is a play on words since the name 'Efrat' alludes to the Hebrew root word for multiplying and population growth).
Her Enduring Legacy: The Well and Future Redemption
In Miriam's merit, a miraculous well followed the Israelites throughout their 40 years in the wilderness. This well is referred to in the Midrash as Be’er Miriam, Miriam’s Well.
This well is also associated with the future redemption. Pirkei d’Rabbi Eliezer teaches: “The waters of the well will, in the end of days, rise from beneath the Temple and flow into twelve streams for the twelve tribes… Every barren field and vineyard will be nourished by its waters. The waters will flow into the Dead Sea and heal it… sweet as manna, they will reach Jerusalem, and whoever bathes in them will be healed.”
Tractate Moed Katan teaches that Miriam died by a 'Divine kiss' (a painless and peaceful death from Hashem). Rabbi Ami adds: “Why is the account of Miriam’s death placed next to the section on the Red Heifer? To teach that just as the Red Heifer atones, so too does the death of the righteous atone.”
Miriam’s life is a testament to the transformative power of faith, leadership, and righteous defiance. Her voice echoed through history, comforting newborns, confronting injustice, guiding women, and standing firm in prophecy. Her legacy, through the well that bears her name and the redemption it symbolizes, continues to nourish the Jewish people to this day.
