1. The Daughters of Tzlafchad and Their Unique Request
The origins of what might be called the women’s liberation movement can already be found in the Chumash—the Five Books of Moses—but in a very positive way. Rashi highlights the story of the daughters of Tzlafchad, who approached Moshe Rabbeinu with a bold request: they wanted a portion in the land of Israel. Their father, Tzlafchad, had died in the desert before the Jewish people entered Eretz Yisroel, and when it came time to allot portions of land to those who would enter, his name was not included among those receiving an inheritance. Since the Torah’s count for inheritance was based on men aged twenty and up, and their father was no longer alive, his daughters were left without a share.2. The Legal and Spiritual Basis for Their Claim
The daughters did not simply want whatever their uncles might give them; they insisted on their own entitled right to a portion in Eretz Yisroel. At that point, no land had yet been distributed—this was all in anticipation of entering Israel—but they wanted to ensure their father’s legacy would not be lost. The process of distribution was complex: as explained by Rashi and discussed in Bava Basra, there were different opinions about whether portions were based on those who left Egypt or those entering Israel. In this case, since Tzlafchad had left Egypt, his descendants should have been entitled to a share.3. Distinguishing Themselves from Previous Generations
Rashi notes that while many Jews were quick to say “let’s go back to Egypt,” it was specifically the women who expressed a desire for Eretz Yisroel. The daughters of Tzlafchad emphasized that their father had not participated in any of the rebellious activities against Moshe or Hashem that took place in the desert. This distinction was crucial because those who spoke ill of Eretz Yisroel or rebelled forfeited their right to inherit the land. By clarifying their father’s innocence from such actions, they strengthened their claim.4. Inheritance Dynamics and Family Implications
There may be some confusion about whether Tzlafchad’s brothers (the daughters’ uncles) would lose out if the daughters received a portion. However, it did not work that way; inheritance was calculated based on those leaving Egypt and divided among descendants entering Eretz Yisroel. If there were three brothers and now also these daughters, each received an appropriate share—no one lost out because of their claim.5. The Importance of Speaking Well About Eretz Yisroel
This episode highlights how significant it is not to speak negatively about Eretz Yisroel or about fellow Jews (ben Yisroel). The daughters’ insistence on their right stemmed from their father’s avoidance of divisive conflicts (machlokis) and his lack of involvement with groups like Korach’s followers or other complainers. Even if he had personal shortcomings—such as possibly being the mekoshesh eitzim, the one who gathered wood on Shabbos—as long as he stayed away from communal rebellion, his merit remained intact.6. Women’s Enduring Faith and Role in Redemption
The love for Eretz Yisroel demonstrated by these women is remarkable. It is often through women that faith and determination are preserved within our people. While others may have given up hope or wished to return to Egypt, it was the steadfastness of women like the daughters of Tzlafchad that ensured continuity and hope for redemption. This strength continues throughout history: it is said that in our current exile (golus), it will be through the merit and righteousness (tzidkoniyos) of Jewish women that we will ultimately be redeemed.