What do you do when you really want something? Wheedle and whine? The most persuasive tactic is to honestly express your deep desires.

When it came to the Land of Israel, the daughters of Tzelafchad used their persuasive powers.

When land was allotted to the children of Israel, each man was guaranteed a plot to live on upon entering Israel.

The daughters of Tzelafchad were uncertain about their future. Their father had passed away, and it was unclear whether or not they’d receive a portion in Israel.

Born out of their love for the land was their intense desire to receive their own plot.

They explained, argued and intelligently proved to Moses and the Jewish high court why they deserved land of their own.

It was G‑d who ruled that indeed their claim was justified. G‑d granted their request because they expressed their intense yearning to inhabit the Land.

Thoughtstream: Today, I will foster and express my soul’s deepest desires—for a time of eternal peace when we will be reunited with our homeland.

(Adapted from El Neshei U’Bnot Yisroel, p. 39.)