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In thinking about my relationship to Drisha and to Torah study, the story of B'not Zelophchad or the daughters of Zelophchad, which appears in chapter 27 of the book of Numbers, comes to mind. God tells Moses that the land will be divided up among the tribes and their families. Zelophchad has no sons, only daughters, who, by law, cannot inherit the land. The daughters approach Moses and ask him, "Why should the name of our father be done away from his family because he has no son? Give to us a portion of land among the brothers of our fathers." Moses brings the case before God and God agrees to give them an inheritance, amending the law. Several aspects of this story speak to me. Firstly, these women are asking for a portion of land so that they and their family can maintain connection to the land and to God who has promised this land to the children of Israel. They seek not only a physical nakhala, inheritance, but a spiritual one as well. They seek such a connection, not only for themselves, but for their father as well as for generations to come. Secondly, their mode of action is through speech. They draw close, they stand before Moses, and they ask their question. They are not afraid of their own voices; they understand that they have a request worthy of being asked. In God's response to the daughters of Zelopchad, God says, "Rightly speak the daughters of Zelophchad." God's words could be rendered, "Yes, the daughters of Zelophchad speak." God approves their request with its intention as well as the act of speaking itself. Lastly, this story suggests that the human relationship to the body of Jewish law is a dynamic, ever changing relationship. By being willing to ask Moses the question, a new way of looking at the situation emerges. Drisha is a place in which women ask questions - of the law, of tradition, of God, and of Torah and through this asking, we build relationship. Building a relationship ensures connection and continuity. Engaging in Torah study is our nakhala through which we connect to God, to community, to past, present and future generations. Over the years, Drisha has offered me a place to find my voice and express it, to ask my questions, and to engage in meaningful Torah study. These experiences have strengthened and deepened my relationship to Torah. |
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Rachel
Mackson-Landsberg received a B.A. in English Literature and Russian at
Grinnell College in Grinnell, Iowa. She studied Jewish texts at Pardes
Institute in Jerusalem, and taught at Oakland Hebrew Day School before
coming to New York to study at Drisha. Rachel studied in Drisha's Beit
Midrash program and then at HaSha'ar. Upon graduation, Rachel taught at
Beit Rabban Day School. She currently teaches 4th grade Judaics at the
Abraham Joshua Heschel Day School.
