Affirming Miriam’s Leadership

Miriam, Aaron and Moses are leaders of the Exodus


Micah 6:4

In fact, I brought you up from the land of Egypt, I redeemed you from the house of bondage, And I sent before you Moses, Aaron, and Miriam.



Midrash

The triumvirate of Moses, Aaron, and Miriam is credited by God via the prophet Micah with important leadership roles in the liberation of the Israelites from Egyptian slavery.

The Talmud [Ta’anit 9a] acknowledges their role: “Three great leaders led Israel: Moses, Aaron and Miriam. In their merit they received three great gifts: the Well [Miriam], the Clouds of Glory [Aaron] and the Manna [Moses].” All three gifts disappeared upon the death of Moses (Mekhilta de-Rabbi Ishmael, Beshalah 5; T Sotah 11:1; Taanit 9a; Bamidbar Rabbah 1:2).

The Talmud further recognizes the important role of women in the Exodus: “It was by the merit of the righteous women of that generation that our ancestors were redeemed from Egypt.” [Sotah 11b]

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