The Three Gifts in the Wilderness

Rabbi Yosi Bar Yehuda said: When Israel came out of Egypt, three good leaders were appointed for them. These were Moses, Aharon, and Miriam. Because of their merit, three gifts were given [to Israel]: the Well, the Pillar of Cloud, and the Manna. The Well was because of the merit of Miriam; the Pillar was because of the merit of Aharon; and the Manna was because of the merit of Moses. When Miriam died, the Well was annulled, but it was reinstated because of the merit of Moses and Aharon. When Aharon died, the Pillar of Cloud was annulled, but both were reinstated because of the merit of Moses. When Moses died, all three were annulled, and they were never reinstated...

(1) And the children of Israel, even the whole congregation, came into the wilderness of Zin in the first month; and the people abode in Kadesh; and Miriam died there, and was buried there. (2) And there was no water for the congregation; and they assembled themselves together against Moses and against Aaron.

(21) And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; that they might go by day and by night: (22) the pillar of cloud by day, and the pillar of fire by night, departed not from before the people.

(4) Then said the LORD unto Moses: ‘Behold, I will cause to rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a day’s portion every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in My law, or not.