Dear Rabbi,

What is the symbolism of Edith, Lot's wife, becoming a pillar of salt?

Dear Joseph,

The previous night Lot's wife revealed to the inhabitants of Sodom that they had guests by asking one of the neighbors for salt to flavor the food that she prepared them. In Sodom it was forbidden to invite guests into one's house, and Lot's wife was perfectly aware that by asking for salt she was placing the lives of the guests in extreme danger. After she looked back, even though she had been instructed not to, she received the punishment of being turned into a pillar of salt.

Sources:

• Midrash Rabbah, Genesis 51:5