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חגרה בעוז מתניה ותאמץ זרועתיה.

“She girds her loins with strength; she invigorates her arms.”

The Midrash (Mishlei 31) states that this verse personifies Miriam. The previous verse referred to Yocheved, Miriam’s mother; together they worked as midwives to help Klal Yisrael grow in Egypt with great personal sacrifice. Malbim (Rabbi Meir Leibush Weiser, 1809-1879) is perplexed as to why there are two expressions of strength in this verse. He explains that “she girds herself with strength” refers to her work pursuits outside of the home; “she invigorates her arms” refers to her efforts to care for her family’s household needs. The theme here is the balance of her using her talents and strengths with precision and care, both in the home and outside and in the most appropriate way.

The Midrash quotes the famous story that after Amram separated from Yocheved, Miriam received a prophesy from Hashem stating that her parents should reunite and they would give birth to the saviour of the Jews. She was not afraid to speak up and convey this to her father. When Moshe was thrown into the Nile, her father asked her, “now what will be with your prophesy?” Nevertheless, Miriam refused to give up and instead she waited to make sure that Moshe was saved from the water. When Basya, daughter of Pharaoh, found Moshe, Miriam ensured that Moshe would be taken care of and she arranged for Yocheved to feed Moshe and spend her day with him, while being paid to do so by Pharaoh himself!

Miriam persevered and she saw the guiding hand of Hashem in situations where even great people like Amram (who Chazal say was one of four men to never commit a single sin in his entire life!) gave up. Miriam was thus rewarded for her dedication and her grandson Betzalel was the person who managed the entire project of the Mishkan. Additionally, when she got Tzaras in the desert, the entire nation waited for her for seven days. This was a reward and stressed the great deed which she did in waiting for Moshe when he was placed in the water.

A fascinating message is found in her name. Miriam (מרים) is comprised of the words (מר-ים, Mar-Yam) which mean “bitter” and “sea”. The significance is that water represents life and sweet sustenance, whereas bitterness represents challenges and hardships. Miriam strived to hold strong to what she knew was truth, to the Emunah that Hashem is guiding the world to its ultimate perfection and sweetness at the end. This perspective is a powerful tool for getting through the bitter challenges of life. Indeed, it was Miriam who came prepared for miracles by bringing instruments with her when they left Egypt. Her confidence in Hashem’s salvation was right on target and Miriam led the woman in the singing of their song of praise to Hashem for splitting the sea (see Shemos 15:21). And then Amalek attacked at the end of the Parsha….

It is even deeper. The arch enemy of the Jews is Amalek. Their numerical value (עמלק) is 240, the same as the word מר mar- bitter. This numerical value is shared with the word ספק Safek, doubt (240). The theme is that Amalek strives to put doubt in the faithful hearts of the Jews, thereby bringing great bitterness and darkness to the world. The antidote to this confusion is the clarity of knowledge and a deep connection to Hashem. The Talmud (Rosh Hashanah 21b) tells us that there are 50 gates of wisdom (בינה, Binah, intuitive knowledge). This knowledge is the specialty of women, who open their hearts and minds to feel Hashem’s presence and guidance in the world. The fifty gates are represented by the word ים (Yam= 50). Miriam’s name thus signifies the ultimate resolution and subjugation of the force of Amalek. She takes the Mar (מר) of Amalek and subdues it with the Yam (ים) of knowledge and attachment to Hashem (מרים). It is most fascinating that the battle against Amalek in the time of Purim was led by Mordechai and Esther and the battle of Amalek after the Exodus found Moshe and Miriam present.

It is for this exact reason that Miriam is represented with the letter Ches of Aishes Chayil. Maharal explains that the number 8 (ח) signifies the conquering and sanctification of the natural world. There are seven days in the earthly week, and the number eight signifies the addition of a factor that elevates the mundane world and connects it to Hashem. Amalek specifically fought against Bris Milah (8th day) as did the Nazis in the concentration camps. But Miriam persevered and never let herself lose sight of her goal of taking all of the doubt, challenges, and bitterness of life and turning herself over completely to Hashem. This is the message of M’Shnichnas Adar Marbin B’Simcha, as we enter the month of Adar, we increase our happiness (Taanis 29a). The zodiac sign for Adar is dagim, fish, creatures that thrive in the Yam (ים) of knowledge. The happiness increases (מר-בי-ן = Mar (Amalek), 12th month (Adar), 50 gates) with a perspective of Miriam, turning our hearts and minds over to Hashem!

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