Inheritance Laws

The laws of inheritance are learned following the request of the “Daughters of Tzlofchad,” to also receive a portion of Eretz Yisrael.

This was a precedent setting case, as it was clear that “son inherit, and daughters do not inherit.” Here was a case where there were no sons. Two issues needed to be clarified. The first was an examination as to the motive for the request. Was it based on a sincere desire to have a piece of the Promised Land, or was it motivated by a desire to acquire land for the purpose of acquiring wealth.

The second issue was the need to establish guidelines for inheritance for all future generations. It may have been clear that if one had no sons, then his daughters inherit. But who is next in line if there were no sons or daughters. And there was the issue of the double portion given to the first born son.

We learn that Moshe Rabbeinu was convinced of the sincerity of Tzlofchad’s daughters. He personally presented their case to Hashem, who agreed that they had a legitimate claim.

Following this case, the Torah continues with the words, “And so shall you speak to the Children of Israel. These are the laws of inheritance.”

Clearly, we see how the incident with the Daughters of Tzlofchad, was the precedent setting case that led to the laws of inheritance.