Beloved Friends,
As you prepare for the quiet of Shabbat, I invite you to open your heart to the wisdom of this week’s Torah portion, Pinchas, from the book of Numbers. It brings us a story that is as relevant today as it was thousands of years ago—the courageous story of the daughters of Zelophehad: Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.
These five women, faced with a system that left them without the inheritance they were due, took a bold step forward. They spoke truth to power, approaching Moses and the elders to challenge an unjust law. With great courage, they didn’t just advocate for themselves—they stood up for justice, for fairness, and for the idea that every person, regardless of gender, deserves a place in the community.
Their story offers us profound lessons, lessons that resonate deeply in our lives and in our work here at Temple Jeremiah:
- Justice for All: The daughters of Zelophehad remind us that justice is not a luxury for the few, but a right for everyone. They teach us that when a system does not serve all its people, we must not be afraid to ask for change. Their call for fairness is a reminder that we must constantly strive to ensure that no one is left behind.
- Courage to Speak: By approaching Moses, the daughters of Zelophehad show us that sometimes we must speak up when we see injustice, even when doing so requires great courage. They ask us: how can we be silent when something is wrong? They invite us to find our voice in the face of authority and challenge the status quo when it no longer serves the well-being of all.
- Uplifting Every Voice: In their story, we see a powerful truth: that the voices of the marginalized must be heard. The daughters of Zelophehad show us that when one voice is silenced, we all lose. Their courage to speak up reminds us of our sacred duty to amplify those voices in our community that are too often overlooked. Let us create space for every story, every experience, every heart.
- Evolving with Purpose: When the daughters’ plea was heard, God responded by changing the laws of inheritance. This moment in our tradition teaches us that leadership is not about holding fast to outdated ways; it’s about evolving, growing, and always seeking to align our values with the world as it is today. They remind us that true leadership requires both courage and compassion—and an openness to change.
As you reflect on their story this Shabbat, ask yourself: How can I ensure that justice and fairness are woven into every decision I make? How can I speak up when I see injustice, and stand firm in my commitment to equity? How can I lift up the voices that need to be heard, and help create a community where everyone finds their place?
May the courage and compassion of the daughters of Zelophehad inspire us all to be leaders in our own right—leaders who act with justice, who speak with love, and who always, always seek the good of the whole.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Paul F. Cohen
