The Ascent to Greatness

By Jacqueline Lehrer
University of Ontario

One of the Parshiyot read this month is Beha’alotekha, which comes from the verb La’alot, to rise up. The context for this term is used in reference to the laws concerning the Menorah and how its fire is supposed to ascend toward God.

We have a tradition, though: the name of the parasha is a considered a representation of the entire portion. Coincidently, this is also the week we read about Miriam having the skin disease tzara’at often translated as leprosy. How is that a form of elevation?

One theory suggests that it was because Moshe increased his merits. This was accomplished by his heartfelt prayer on Miriam’s behalf, effective though it contained only six words. Another view consistent with our theme of feminism this month is explained by Miriam’s efforts. Admittedly, Miriam was at fault and was punished.

However, proof of her elevated status was shown by the reaction of the people of Israel. Easily the camp could have continued on their journey, but they waited until she was healthy before continuing. This action is said to be a reward for waiting in the bulrushes while her brother was floating in the river. So he did not have to wait long to be fed, Miriam waited around and suggested her mother to Pharoh’s daughter as a potential wet nurse for the found child. It was this action that was paid back action-for-action (in Hebrew, midah k’neged midah) as the children of Israel waited for her return.

This should be no surprise to anyone, since Judaism is a religion whose history has many significant female characters like Miriam. Ruth is such an influential character that the Megillah is specifically named after her. She and Tamar, the ancestor of Boaz, are the matriarchal women who were not only the glue of the general Jewish population, but also the backbone of our patriarchy.

After days and weeks of counting, we come to the holiday of Shavuot, in which the Book of Ruth is read. The nagging question is why this text, specifically, is read.

How is it that this is what Shavuot is all about? Actually, Ruth is the core concept of this holiday. The only way to comprehend the receiving of the Torah is by accepting it anew each year. This is why Ruth is the heroine of the story; she models how we must accept the Torah as if it is something new and fresh. We must receive the Torah with the openness of a convert who never had the obligations previously, with fresh eyes and a committed heart. To conclude, it takes a strong sense of will to unleash one’s own power for greatness as visible as the noteworthy examples of Miriam and Ruth.

[Posted 6/7/05]