QUESTIONS ON PARASHAT PINCHAS

1. The daughters of Zelophehad - Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah - approach Moses and the elders of the community after their father dies (Numbers 27:1-11). There is no male heir to inherit his property, and no legislation concerning daughters. These five women recognize that the Law of Moses has made no provision for their inheritance and decide they should be next in line to carry on their father's name (property). Their actions result in changes in the Torah. There are three other places in the Torah where actions of people (passive and active) result in changes in the Law as well, can you recount them?

2. After God told Moses that his death was immanent, Moses asked God to "appoint a leader over this community to go out and come in before them, one who will lead them out and bring them in, so the LORD's people will not be like sheep without a shepherd" (Numbers 27:12, 16-17). According to Rashi & Nachalat Ya'akov, Moses asked that his sons would be appointed as his successors. God however chose Joshua to lead the people? For what reasons? What leadership principals do we learn from this passage? What type of leaders does Messianic Judaism need in order to inspire and develop the next generation?