“A person is given three names: one that their parents call them, one their fellows call them, and one that they acquire with their deeds.” (Midrash Tanhuma, Va-yakhel)

The naming process is unique to each individual and culture, yet names are laced with meaning. I always enjoy the “midrashei shem”, the stories about the names we encounter in the world around us and in the Bible as well.  It is also interesting when we note whose names appear in a story and whose do not: the pivotal story of Potiphar’s wife and her influence of Joseph or Pharoah’s daughter who saved Moses; while these stories are memorable, the names are not included in the Torah even though the rabbis have included stories which do sometimes name them.

However, in Parashah Pinchas, the five “daughters of Tzelofehad” are named: Mahlah, Noa, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.  The mention of their names pushes us to recognize the important role that they play in their generation and for future generations as well.

Together, Mahlah, Noa, Hoglah, Milcah and Tirzah identify an oppressive premise within an unfair system by recognizing that when their father dies, and their father’s land is trapped in limbo with the fear of being lost.  Standing before Moses and Eleazar the Priest they state that they recognize that since there were no sons to inherit the land and continue his legacy through passing on his land that such will be lost.  “Let not our father’s name be lost to his clan just because he had no son!” (Number 27: 4) they then continue with bold language, the imperative “Give us a holding”.

And the response? Moses escalates the concern and God responds with an emphatic “Yes!” Yes, they are right! Yes, they have the rights to inherit! And Yes, this law will be put in place for future generations!

Their names, Mahlah, Noa, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah, are here to remind us of the need to give voice to the unheard, give space to those not present.

We are given hope that even though taking a stand for what is just may not be easy, when we are faced with fear or unknown obstacles, we can rise and we will succeed.

May Mahlah, Noa, Hoglah, Milcah and Tirzah give us strength, courage, comfort, patience, and perseverance, for we stand on the shoulders of these trailblazers.