Yardaena Osband-Torat Miriam: Hope springs eternal (Beshalach)

After the dramatic rescue of the Children of Israel at Sea of Reeds, Moses leads the first in the first recorded praise, or “shirah,” of God (Exodus Chapter 15:1-19).

But after this shirah, the Torah informs us a second shirah led by Miriam:

Then Miriam the prophetess, Aaron’s sister, took a timbrel in her hand, and all the women went out after her in dance with timbrels. And Miriam chanted for them: Sing to the LORD, for He has triumphed gloriously; Horse and driver He has hurled into the sea.  (Exodus Chapter 15 20-21)

These two short verses raise three key questions:

1. Why does Miriam need her own shirah?
2. Why is Miriam referred to as a prophet in this verse when she does not seem to be giving a prophecy?
3. Lastly, why is she referred to as only Aaron’s sister and there is no mention of Moses?

Read the full article on the Times of Israel