Page 166 - BAMIDBAR

Miriam was punished with tzara’at for speaking lashon hara about her
brother, Moshe. Some commentaries explain that Miriam meant well, even
speaking in front of Moshe. Why, then, was she punished so severely?

Miriam knew that Moshe, in his humbleness, would not respond to her
harsh words. Therefore, it was considered as though she spoke behind his
back. Furthermore, although her intentions were good, she should have
realized that her words were liable to weaken Moshe’s resolve, thereby
detrimentally affecting his sacred work. # 26347-EYAL-6