Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the context of Numbers 27:4?
A: Numbers 27:4 records the daughters of Tzelofchad (Machlah, Noa, Choglah, Milkah, and Tirtzah) approaching Moshe (Moses) with a request. Their father died without sons, and they argued that his name and inheritance should not be lost. This led to a new halachic ruling (Jewish law) about inheritance when there are no male heirs.
Q: Why is the request of Tzelofchad's daughters important in Judaism?
A: The request of Tzelofchad's daughters is significant because it established the Torah law that daughters can inherit when there are no sons (Numbers 27:8). This shows the Torah's fairness and the importance of preserving family lineage. The Talmud (Bava Batra 119b) praises their wisdom and love for the Land of Israel.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Tzelofchad's daughters?
A: Tzelofchad's daughters teach us the importance of advocating for justice within the framework of Torah. They approached Moshe respectfully and presented a logical case, leading to a Divine ruling. The Midrash (Sifri Zuta 27:1) highlights their righteousness and understanding of Torah principles.
Q: How does the ruling in Numbers 27:4 apply today?
A: The halachic principle established here still applies in Jewish inheritance law (Rambam, Hilchot Nachalot 1:1-3). If a man dies without sons, his daughters inherit his portion in the Land of Israel. This demonstrates the Torah's timeless wisdom in balancing family continuity with Divine law.
Q: Why did the daughters emphasize their father's name being lost?
A: In Jewish tradition, a person's name represents their legacy and connection to their ancestors. The daughters were concerned that without inheritance, their father's contribution to the tribe would be forgotten (Rashi on Numbers 27:4). This reflects the Torah's value of preserving family identity and tribal lineage in Israel.
Context of the Verse
This verse (Numbers 27:4) is part of the plea made by the daughters of Tzelofchad (Machlah, Noa, Choglah, Milcah, and Tirtzah) to Moshe Rabbeinu regarding their father's inheritance. Since Tzelofchad had no sons, his daughters argued that his name should not be erased from his family's lineage due to the lack of a male heir.
Rashi's Commentary
Rashi explains that the daughters of Tzelofchad were motivated by a deep sense of justice and love for their father. They argued that the laws of inheritance should not disregard their father's legacy simply because he had no sons. Rashi emphasizes that their claim was rooted in the principle of tzedek (righteousness) and the preservation of their father's name within Klal Yisrael.
Rambam's Perspective
In Hilchos Nachalos (Laws of Inheritance 1:3), Rambam codifies the ruling that daughters inherit when there are no sons, based on this episode. He highlights that their request was not merely about material possession but about ensuring their father's continuity in the tribal lineage of Eretz Yisrael.
Midrashic Insights
Halachic Implications
The Gemara (Bava Basra 119b) discusses the legal reasoning behind their claim, emphasizing that their argument was accepted because it aligned with the Torah's values of justice and familial continuity. This case established the precedent for daughters inheriting in the absence of sons, a significant development in Torah law.
Spiritual Lessons
The daughters of Tzelofchad teach us the importance of advocating for justice within the framework of halacha. Their respectful yet firm approach to Moshe Rabbeinu demonstrates how to seek truth while maintaining reverence for Torah leadership. Their story also underscores the value of every individual's contribution to Klal Yisrael, regardless of gender.