Listen to women
More often than not, we consider our take on things to be the ultimate truth. It is especially relevant when we have been in the leadership position for a long time, thus getting used to others listening to our voice. The case of Zelophehad’s daughters brought to our attention in this week’s Torah portion, is an excellent example of a true leader’s decision.
The leader might avoid unexpected challenges, entailing tough or unpopular actions. However, when the five daughters of Zelophehad approached Moses with a claim to their father’s inheritance, neither he dismisses them nor renders their demand insignificant. Instead, Moses brings their case to the ultimate authority and receives a clear answer.
“The plea of Zelophehad’s daughters is just,” says God. This is a rare occasion of a Divine agreement with human reasoning. Moreover, Rashi (a father of daughters) comments on this verse with a rare conviction and a strong voice.
“This tells us that their eye saw what Moses’ eye did not see, and they had a finer perception of what was just in the law of inheritance than Moses had.”
Sometimes leaders should listen to others and especially women.
