Are you the only woman on your team at work? Feeling like it’s hard to find your voice in a male-driven office culture? Getting different treatment than your brothers do from your parents? If you’re in need of some inspiration to stand up for yourself, look no further than the Torah. That’s right, open your Tanakh to Numbers 27 and enjoy the story of five badass sisters who took their fate into their own hands.

Mahlah, Noah, Holgah, Milcah, and Tirzah, also known as the daughters of Zelophehad, were five sisters dedicated to speaking their mind, standing up for their rights, and not allowing the status quo to define their reality. Long story short, in anticipation of the Israelites’ arrival to the land of milk and honey, they took a census to decide how to divide this promised land among the adult males of the population.

Because Zelophehad, the sisters’ father, had died, and none of his daughters were married, all five were denied their future inheritance. The sisters thought this was wrong (it was) and “went out” from their tents and “came forward” to Moses, the high priests, the chiefs, and the rest of the Israelite males gathered around the tabernacle to make their case. The sisters spoke with wisdom, eloquence, and determination, questioning Moses on his decision to leave them landless. Moses himself admitted that he was stumped and went before God to seek an answer on their behalf. God responded with unequivocal support for the sisters and a declaration to forever support women in the same position.

Imagine the scene — back then, women were living close to their tents and taking care of their families and homes. It was rare and strange for them to come before the high court or Moses himself. But these sisters were fearless and unapologetic; they came before the high-ranking men with courage to insist upon on a different reality.

Next time you think your destiny is fixed, remember the daughters of Zelophehad. Dare to be courageous, walk where nobody has walked before, and never settle for the status quo. Step up to what you deserve.

TAKE IT TO YOUR WELL CIRCLE

In what endeavor would you like to channel the daughters of Zelophehad this month?

In what ways (if any) do you feel you’re being pushed around because you’re a woman?

Where can you walk where nobody has walked before?

What corner of the world would you like to change for your daughters, or future generations?

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