IN A NUTSHELL Parashat Behaalotekha begins with the final preparations for the Israelites’ journey from the Sinai desert to the Promised Land. God tells Aharon, the high priest, how to light the Menora in the ceremony for consecrating the Levites into their special role as protectors of everything holy.

Before starting the journey, the Israelites celebrate Passover, one year after the Exodus itself. Those who are unable to celebrate it at its proper time are given the chance a month later (Pesaḥ Sheini).

Then the story changes tone. The Israelites set out after their long stay in the Sinai desert, but almost immediately they start to complain. Moshe becomes frustrated and depressed and prays to die. God tells him to find seventy elders who will help him with the challenges of leadership.

In the last scene of the parasha, Moshe’s own sister and brother speak lashon hara (evil words) about him. Miriam is punished with the disease of tzaraat and must be quarantined until she recovers. Moshe, who is described as the humblest of men, prays on her behalf. After waiting a week for Miriam to recover, the people move on together*.*

QUESTION TO PONDER

Why do you think Miriam’s punishment for speaking lashon harawas isolation?