RAV KOOK ON Beha'alotecha Part 2: The Unique Prophecy of Moses
“Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses regarding the dark-skinned woman he had married.” (Num. 12:1)
What was their complaint against Moses? The rabbinic commentaries explain that they were upset that Moses had separated from his wife Tzipporah, the dark-skinned daughter of Jethro. Miriam and Aaron were able to receive prophecy without resorting to celibacy. Why did Moses feel he needed to separate from his wife?
The separation was in fact Moses’ idea; God had not commanded him to do this. The Talmud explains that Moses decided it was necessary after witnessing God’s revelation to the Jewish people at Mount Sinai. Moses reasoned:
“The Shechinah spoke with all of Israel only on one occasion and at a predetermined hour. Nevertheless, the Torah cautioned [the Israelites at Sinai], “Do not go near a woman.” Certainly I, with whom the Shechinah speaks at all times and with no set hour, must do the same.” (Shabbat 87a)
The Sages noted that Moses’ reasoning was sound and God approved of his decision. Their proof: after the revelation at Sinai, God told the people, “Return to your tents” [i.e., return to your families]. But to Moses He said: “You, however, shall stay here with Me” (Deut. 5:27-28).
Why was this separation something that Moses needed to work out for himself? And why was Moses the only prophet obligated to separate from his wife?
“Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses regarding the dark-skinned woman he had married.” (Num. 12:1)
What was their complaint against Moses? The rabbinic commentaries explain that they were upset that Moses had separated from his wife Tzipporah, the dark-skinned daughter of Jethro. Miriam and Aaron were able to receive prophecy without resorting to celibacy. Why did Moses feel he needed to separate from his wife?
The separation was in fact Moses’ idea; God had not commanded him to do this. The Talmud explains that Moses decided it was necessary after witnessing God’s revelation to the Jewish people at Mount Sinai. Moses reasoned:
“The Shechinah spoke with all of Israel only on one occasion and at a predetermined hour. Nevertheless, the Torah cautioned [the Israelites at Sinai], “Do not go near a woman.” Certainly I, with whom the Shechinah speaks at all times and with no set hour, must do the same.” (Shabbat 87a)
The Sages noted that Moses’ reasoning was sound and God approved of his decision. Their proof: after the revelation at Sinai, God told the people, “Return to your tents” [i.e., return to your families]. But to Moses He said: “You, however, shall stay here with Me” (Deut. 5:27-28).
Why was this separation something that Moses needed to work out for himself? And why was Moses the only prophet obligated to separate from his wife?
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