A famous story is told of the detested town miser who was spitefully given an inconspicuous burial. However, shortly thereafter, everybody realized that the poor people were going hungry. Upon investigation it was discovered that he was secretly paying all their bills.
Similarly, only after her passing was Miriam’s true value recognized. All too often the real playmakers are unsung heroes during their lifetime. After they are gone, we realize how indispensable they were.
In Parshat Chukat we learn the well-known story of Moshe hitting the rock instead of speaking to it. What is lesser known is why the Jewish people were desperate for water. This sudden dearth of hydration was due to the fact that Miriam had just passed away. During her lifetime the Jewish people were sustained by “Miriam’s Well,” a traveling well that was really just a miraculous, water-producing rock. When she passed it suddenly stopped working. It was then that everyone realized just how precious her contribution was.
Water, obviously, is critical for survival. But, it also has a unique role in distributing food. The Chassidic Master explain that water helps the body digest its food. It ensures that the nutrients are absorbed properly throughout the body. Allegorically, the soul’s “food” is the Torah, and its “water” is the Torah’s ability to reach and influence all parts of the soul, all types of people, and all facets of life—even those that in and of themselves are the least receptive to it.
An interesting observation is that the ones that guaranty that Torah and Jewish values reach the furthest places are often the ones least recognized.
To make a real difference, let’s be like Miriam – sustaining and promoting Torah and Mitzvot to the most remote reaches of society and of our own selves.