1/ Our past Shabbas table discussion was about the Moshe's request for succession (Num. 27:12-21). My sons had an amazing idea: that Moshe was requesting a new leader & it should be in the mode of Miriam.
Miriam was never replaced but fits the request for a benevolent shepherd
Miriam was never replaced but fits the request for a benevolent shepherd
2/ My eldest started with this idea. It's likely prompted by his parsha, Chukat, where the Midrash explains that Moshe lost his control of the people when Miriam died: her merit created the well (plentiful water) and her older-sister-ness kept his temper under wraps
3/ Without Miriam, the people became more desperate and Moshe lost his touch with the nation's temperament and needs.
My younger son added a great support: right before the section about Moshe's successor is the section of the Daughters of Tzlophchad! (Num. 27:1-11)
My younger son added a great support: right before the section about Moshe's successor is the section of the Daughters of Tzlophchad! (Num. 27:1-11)
4/ The leadership of the Daughters prompted Moshe to request a new leader in the Miriam mold (according to my kids' theory).
This is such a rich concept! In my years of teaching Tanakhm, I never even considered it, but it makes sense (see Michah 6:4, sefaria.org/Micah%206:4)
This is such a rich concept! In my years of teaching Tanakhm, I never even considered it, but it makes sense (see Michah 6:4, sefaria.org/Micah%206:4)
5/ I’m so proud of them. It’s the best kind of gift from kids: it’s recognizable as emerging from the teachings and talent of their parents, but it's entirely their own creation.
