Aaron and Miriam speak badly about Moses on account of his wife Tsiporah. According to many commentators, they were complaining that Moses was wrong to separate from his wife. As we know, God rebukes Aaron and Miriam for slandering Moses, arguing that Moses ranks above all prophets. Although the Torah justifies Moses’ separation from his wife, the Midrash nonetheless sympathizes with Tsiporah’s plight. According to the Midrash, Miriam’s comments are prompted by Tsiporah’s pain over Moses’ separation from her. During the Israelites’ celebration of the appointment of the elders (also found in this week’s parasha), Miriam exclaims, “Happy are these men, and happy are their wives.” Tsiporah responds that Miriam should have really said, “woe to their wives,” as Moses had refrained from relations with her for a long time. Even if Moses is ultimately correct in removing himself from Tsiporah, she still deserves our sympathy. No matter how righteous our causes may be, we cannot ignore their effects on others.