In this week’s Torah portion, we read about the deaths of both of Moses’ siblings, Miriam and Aaron. Both events occur in the same chapter of the Torah (Numbers 20) and they are recorded in different ways. However, a closer look reveals lasting messages about leadership, grief, and the legacy we leave behind.
The Torah notes Miriam’s death in a single sentence, followed by a reflection on her legacy; “Miriam died there and was buried there. The community was without water, and they joined against Moses and Aaron” (Numbers 20:1-2). There is no mourning ritual, no eulogy, and no extended narrative. Yet, immediately after her death, the people find themselves without water. The Talmud, in Tractate Ta’anit (9a), links these two events: the Israelites had water during their journey thanks to Miriam. Her presence and legacy had inspired the Be’er Miriam, the miraculous well that followed the Israelites through the desert.
Miriam’s death teaches us about the power of unseen leadership. Unlike Moses, who spoke with God, or Aaron, who was the Kohein Gadol (High Priest), Miriam was not always in the spotlight. Her leadership was often subtle, relational, and entrenched in care. She watched over baby Moses at the Nile, and later led the women in song at the sea. Her contributions were vital but often overlooked, until she was no longer there.
This reflects a harsh truth in life. We frequently fail to recognise the people or forces that support us until they are gone. Whether it’s a parent, a teacher, a community elder, or perhaps even something as basic as health or as aspirational as peace, we sometimes only see the true value of a blessing through its absence.
A little further on we are told about Aaron’s death, which receives a little more attention and ceremony; “Take Aaron and his son Eleazar and bring them up on Mount Hor. Strip Aaron of his vestments and put them on his son Eleazar. There Aaron shall be gathered unto the dead” (Numbers 20:25-26). This moment signals the passing of ritual responsibility. In a somewhat low-key scene, Moses and Eleazar accompany Aaron up the mountain. His priestly garments are taken off and given to his son.
The role of Kohein Gadol is not left vacant. It is passed on with dignity and clarity. This moment teaches us the importance of responsible leadership. Good leaders work with their successors, preparing them and guiding them to take over.
Aaron is remembered as a man of peace. Pirkei Avot (1:12) teaches; “Hillel used to say: be of the disciples of Aaron, loving peace and pursuing peace…”. His gentle leadership style earned him admiration and affection, and his legacy continued through Eleazar and the values that he represented.
The losses of Miriam and Aaron, occurring so close together, would have been deeply upsetting for the Israelites. They not only lost influential role models but also sources of spiritual guidance and upliftment.
Their deaths remind us of the fragility of life, the quiet strength of leadership, and the lasting nature of legacy. Miriam’s passing shows us the power of unspoken support, while Aaron’s teaches us how to transition with grace. As we reflect on their lives, let us honour them by embodying their values – compassion, peace, faith, and the capability and desire to prepare others to continue the journey.
Shabbat Shalom
Rabbi Sam Zwarenstein
Surely the obvious difference in emphasis and importance between the death of Miriam (a female) and Aaron (a male) is simply yet another example of not according females the same importance as males in this patriarchal society. Even though focusing on inter-personal relations and caring for others is far more important in life than following rituals as a priest, few societies are able to display this because the stronger males can always dominate the weaker females. This is why my preference is for the prophetic writings which show empathy for the disadvantaged rather than praising the war heroes and approving of killing the enemy.