Two fascinating commentaries.

In our parsha, the people of Israel begin preparations towards appropriation of the Promised Land. Moshe divides the land amongst the tribes: “Among these the land shall be apportioned as shares” (Bemidbar 26:53), with the inheritance of land going to male heirs in those days. However, the daughters of Zelophechad are not happy.

They approach Moshe and “the entire congregation at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting” (27:2) – which was unheard of for women to do! Then, each of the daughters is named: “and his daughters’ names were Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah” (27:1) – again, not a common occurrence. Finally, God gives a ringing endorsement: “Zelophehad’s daughters speak justly. You shall certainly give them a portion of inheritance along with their father’s brothers, and you shall transfer their father’s inheritance to them” (27:7). Not only does God agree but brings a new angle of the halacha, taking their situation into account.

---

Topic:	Shmita
Author(s):	Ilana Stein
Published by:	Adamah
Date:	June 28, 2021
Direct link:	https://adamah.org/pinchas-of-names-and-land-by-ilana-stein/