"For Instruction shall come forth from Zion, The word of the L-rd from Jerusalem." -- Isaiah 2:3

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NUMBERS — 12:3 humble

Torah Book & Portion, Book of Numbers, Behaalotecha (Numbers 8:1–12:16), Source Book Keys, TELVOL1
Page(s): 210
NUM121 There are numerous biblical stories about Moses that describe the many fine traits he possessed. Thus, Moses was courageous (he defended a Jewish slave from the Egyptian overseer who was beating him; Exodus 2:11–12), and determined to fight injustice (in Midian, he defended women shepherds from male shepherds who were bullying them; Exodus 2:16–17). Moses was also compassionate (he prayed for the health of his sister Miriam when she was stricken with leprosy as God's punishment for having spoken to ill of him (Numbers 12:1–13). Yet nowhere does the Bible refer to Moses as "courageous," "a defender of justice," or "compassionate." Rather, we infer these characteristics from what we are told about him. There is only one virtue that the Bible explicitly describes to Moses: "Now, Moses was a very humble man, more so than any other man on earth" [this verse]. That this is the only virtue the Torah attributes to its greatest hero is itself the most significant indication of the importance of humility in the Jewish tradition.

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NUMBERS — 12:11 master

Torah Book & Portion, Book of Numbers, Behaalotecha (Numbers 8:1–12:16), Source Book Keys, WAGS
Page(s): 35-7
NUM127 Humility--Prerequisite of Tolerance. Masseches Derech Eretz describes the degree of humility one should strive to achieve: "Be as the threshold, upon which everyone treads, and as the peg, which people use for hanging objects" (Derech Eretz Zuta, ch. 1). This means that one is obligated to tolerate others even if they do not consider him worthy of respect. The Midrash adds, "Be lowly before everyone, especially before members of your household… Be the threshold, upon which everyone treads, for eventually the house will collapse, but the threshold will remain untouched (ibid. ch. 3). The Midrash says, "Everyone should learn Moshe Rabbeinu: He said, 'Choose for us people ...' (Shemos 17:9). This teaches us that he considered his pupil (Yehoshua) as important as himself." The Midrash develops a similar idea: "From where do we learn that one must treat others with as much respect as he treats his teacher? From the verse, 'and Aharon said to Moshe, 'Please, my master...'" [this verse]. Aharon was Moshe Rabbeinu's elder brother, and yet he addressed him as 'My master.' This teaches us that he regarded him as his Rav" (Yalkut Shemos 264). Tolerance leads to peace and to new friendships, and precludes anger. "A pious man was once asked, "What do you attribute people's affection for you?' He answered, 'Because I always consider other people to be better than me' Orchos Tzaddikim, Sha'ar Ha'anavah).

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NUMBERS — 12:13 beseech

Torah Book & Portion, Book of Numbers, Behaalotecha (Numbers 8:1–12:16), Source Book Keys, PLYN
Page(s): 344
NUM129 Even if someone acts against us, we should aid him in his time of need. Miriam was stricken with tzoraas for having spoken against Moshe. Not only did Moshe refrain from growing angry at her for having spoken against him, but he even prayed for her recovery. From here we learn that even if someone acts against you and is punished for his act, you should do all you can to assist him. (Ralbag).

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