By Rabbi Loren Sykes, Director of Israel Immersives
Among the many themes in this week’s Torah portion, Pinhas, one stands out in how it speaks directly to the experience of our NFTY in Israel groups this week: The tale of the daughters of Zelophehad. The story goes like this:
After the Torah lists the laws of land inheritance, Zelophehad’s five daughters – Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah – realize that they have been left out and will not have a portion in the land of Israel. Why? Because land was to be exclusively passed down to sons and Zelophehad only had daughters! The daughters go to Moses and request an inheritance. Moses turns to Adonai for guidance. The answer from God: “The daughters of Zelophehad speak right! You shall surely give them a possession…”
If one thought that the only way to inherit a portion was to be a male child born in the land, the Torah comes to teach us that there are many ways to gain ownership of or a portion in the land of Israel. That is exactly what teens on NFTY in Israel trips are doing right now.
As they travel throughout the country, hiking in extraordinary environments, visiting interesting sites, and meeting a variety of people, your teens are acquiring Israel. Every time they are at the top of a mountain, be it Masada in the desert or Mt. Meron in the Galilee, they gaze at and take in beautiful views. Sunrises and sunsets watched with friends become lifetime connections to this country. Each time they visit a new city, inhale and listen to the different smells and sounds of the outdoor markets (Shuk Mahane Yehuda in Jerusalem and Shuk HaCarmel in Tel Aviv, to name just two), notice the different paces of life (Tel Aviv is more fast paced than Jerusalem), or observe attire trends (Jerusalem is more “conservative” compared to the more “hip” Tel Aviv ), they are acquiring a deeper connection with Israel’s people and land.
This coming week, our Adventure groups will split into their “chavaya” options. Some will hike, bike, and swim their way from the Kinneret, The Sea of Galilee, to the Mediterranean. Others will get a taste of what IDF training is like. Another group will volunteer at and learn about Israel’s range of social service organizations. Sci-Tech Israel will have a chance to find their place in the ancient and modern stories of Israel by visiting the Old City of Jerusalem, the location of both the First and Second Temples, and the Haifa Hub – a medical, life science, and biotech incubator. Mitzvah Corps Israel, in partnership with Habonim Dror North America, will take in the beauty of the mystical city of Tzfat, help maintain accessible nature trails, hear from a representative of Open House, Jerusalem’s LGBTQ+ center, and meet with peers from Kids4Peace. With each person, activity, site, and initiative they encounter, your teen will develop a deeper, more nuanced relationship with Israel.
As they travel from North to South, breathing in the beautiful fresh air, and meeting the incredible people that make up this gorgeous, challenging, inspiring, and complicated country, your teens are the embodiment of the lesson we learn from Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah, Zelophehad’s daughters: There is more than one way to acquire a portion in Israel. You have given them this opportunity and it is our privilege to guide them on their journey.
