As we come to the end of the book of Bamidbar (Numbers), we are left holding multiple, often conflicting strands: We are left with both victories in war and reminders of just how conditional progress can be—especially for women.

At the end of last week’s parashat Pinchas, we encountered what felt like a genuine breakthrough. The five daughters of Tzelophad —Noa, Milcha, Hogla, Tirza, and Machlah—stood before Moses to demand the right to inherit their father’s portion after his death without sons. Moses brought their case before God, who responded unequivocally: “The daughters of Tzelophehad speak rightly.” It is hard not to read this as a triumph—a moment in which women are named, heard, and granted legal standing.

Yet in this week’s double portion, Matot–Masei, that victory is immediately qualified. The leaders of the tribe of Manasseh are concerned: What if these women marry outside the tribe? The land might be given to another tribe, disrupting the balance of tribal nahalot—the land allotments. A new rule is therefore introduced: the daughters may inherit—but only if they marry within their tribe. What began as a radical expansion of women’s rights is now circumscribed They are affirmed, but ultimately reabsorbed into the system they challenged.. The law changes—but only enough to preserve the existing order. Does this sound familiar?

This ambivalence toward women’s agency runs throughout the parasha. A woman may take a vow before God, but her words are not fully her own. If her father—or later, her husband—objects, the vow is annulled and she is absolved. Only widows and divorcées possess full autonomy.

And then, without pause, the text turns to the battle against Midian. The Israelites are commanded to attack, to kill every male, and to take women and children captive. When the soldiers spare the women, Moses rebukes them and orders that all women who have known a man be killed, leaving only virgins alive. Human beings are counted among the spoils of war.

This passage is chilling. It is difficult to read at any time, but perhaps especially now, more than a 1,000 days after October 7th, when images of raped and murdered women........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)