The daughters of Zelophahad knew that there was problem, but instead of yelling and causing a ruckus, they approached Moses with respect. That way they could speak with him and achieve their goal.
Now for a quick devar Torah.
One of the most remarkable episodes in this week’s parashah is the story of the daughters of Zelophehad. Their father died leaving five daughters but no sons. According to the laws of inheritance as they then stood, land passed to sons. Normally this was not a problem, because daughters would marry and become part of another household. But here there were no sons, and the family faced losing its inheritance just as the Jewish people were preparing to enter the Land of Israel.
This comes at a pivotal moment in Jewish history. The forty years in the wilderness are ending. The greatest yeshivah in history is coming to a close. Moshe Rabbeinu is the Rosh Yeshivah, with Aharon and Miriam leading the people. But now the nation is transitioning from a life sustained by miracles to one of farms, homes, and property in the Land of Israel. Questions of ownership and inheritance suddenly become very real.
The daughters of Zelophehad understood this. They believed there was an injustice, but notice how they handled it. They did not organize a rebellion. They did not shout or accuse Moshe of unfairness. They approached him respectfully and presented their case. They were prepared to accept his decision.
Moshe himself did not know the answer. Rather than guessing, he brought the question before God. God’s response was extraordinary: “The daughters of Zelophehad speak correctly.” Their claim was just, and the Torah’s laws were expanded because of them. Later, an additional requirement was added that they marry within their tribe so that the tribal inheritance would remain intact. The Torah addressed the practical realities while preserving the integrity of the system.
There is a powerful lesson here. There are different ways to approach a problem. One way is to shout, yell, and demand. That usually produces the opposite of what you want. The other way is to respectfully present your case to those responsible for making the decision.
We see a similar lesson in the Book of Esther. Esther understood that storming into the Persian king’s presence with accusations would accomplish nothing—in fact, it could cost her life. She knew how the royal court worked, and she approached the king wisely and respectfully. Through her courage and understanding, God brought about the salvation of the Jewish people.
The daughters of Zelophehad did the same. They sought justice, but they pursued it with dignity and respect. Their example teaches us that respect is not weakness. Sometimes it is the most effective way to bring about lasting change.
The rabbis teach us to show respect to our teachers and leaders. Respect does not mean we never ask difficult questions. It means we ask them the right way. The daughters of Zelophehad proved that you can question, you can seek justice, and you can even change the law—but you do it with humility, dignity, and respect.
And one final thought: God always hears our prayers. Sometimes the answer is yes. Sometimes the answer is no. But we should always approach Him—and one another—with the same respect shown by the daughters of Zelophehad.
Something to think about.
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