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PARSHAT MASEI
REDEEMING THE LAND
In our time and age there is an intensified awareness of the inherent
holiness of the Land of Israel especially among women. In spite
of the current difficulties, our attachment to the Land of Israel
is constantly being strengthened as we expand and build new communities
on the Land. Today's righteous women have reawakened our bond with
the eternal dwelling place of Rachel our Mother. From where do we
get this strength to attach ourselves and stand up for the Land
in spite of the dangers it entails? The deeds of the fathers and
mothers effect their children. We are only an extension of the souls
who precede us. Their spiritual rectifications pave the way for
our continued efforts. Among the role models that have affected
our inherent attachment to the land of Israel are the daughters
of Tzelafchad. At a time when the general sentiment was remiss regarding
the love of the land of Israel, the five sisters stood out in their
dedicated quest for a portion in the Land. They yearned to be part
of revealing the Shechina through redeeming the land of Israel.
Let us learn from their example how to strengthen our endeavor to
reclaim the Holy Land.
WITHIN THEIR TRIBE
This is the thing which the L-rd commands concerning the daughters
of Tzelafchad, saying, Let them marry whom they think best: only
within the family of the tribe of their father shall they marry.
So the inheritance of the children of Yisrael shall not remove from
tribe to tribe. (Bamidbar 36:6-7)
It is not clear whether the daughters of Tzelafchad were permitted
to marry whoever they wanted or whether they were commanded to marry
within their own tribe.
"Shmuel said, the daughters of Tzelafchad were permitted to
marry all the tribes as it states "Let them marry whom they
think best" so how do we establish "only within the family
of the tribe of their father shall they marry"? Scripture gave
them a good advise that they should only marry those who are fitting
to them." (Baba Batra 120a)
The daughters of Tzelafchad had full permission to choose a marriage
partner outside of their own tribe. However, in order to ensure
that their land would not be lost permanently from their tribe,
they were advised to marry within their tribe.
The gemara praises Tzelafchad's daughters for choosing to marry
within their tribe. "They were righteous since they did not
marry except those who were fitting for them. Rabbi Eliezer ben
Yaacov taught, even the youngest among them did not marry before
she turned forty…"(Baba Batra 119b)
For the sake of redeeming the land, the daughters were willing to
wait in order to find suitable marriage partners within their tribe.
For the complete dvar Torah, please send email to berot@netvision.net.il.
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Presented by Midreshet B'erot Bat Ayin Wellsprings of Jewish Learning.
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