The name comes from the fusion of this story below, Noa and her Sisters, and the Arabic word for Wisdom “Nuha”

 

And there came nigh the daughters of Zelophchad, the son of Chepher, the son of Gil’ad, the son of Machir, the son of Menasseh, of the families of Menasseh the son of Joseph: and    these are the names of his daughters, Machlah, No’ah, and Choglah, and Milcah, and Tirzah. (Numbers Ch. XXVII v. 1)

 

           Noa’s story takes place in the desert during the time the Hebrew People wandered toward the Promised Land. She was born in a family of five daughters; her sisters were named Machla, Chogla, Milca and Tirza. Their father, Zlofchad the son of Hefer, died.

 

          At that time, Hebrew law stated that in such a case (when there are only daughters with no son), only men of the father’s family would inherit the money and land of the deceased. The wife and daughters were not included in this list.

 

          Noa was not willing to accept this discrimination based on gender. She shared her feelings with her sisters, and together they decided to struggle against it. It is important to realize that at that time, to question the law was to question the fabric of society itself – which was unheard of, even by men.

 

         Noa and her sisters sat together and discussed what would be the best way to achieve what they thought and believed was justice. It was clear to them that they would not behave like men – who know only power struggles, violence and war. They decided to turn to the authorities, who at that time were Moses and Elazar, the high priest, and request equality for all on this issue of inheritance.

 

         After many appeals to Moses, in a long frustrating process in which they almost raised their hands in despair, they succeeded in convincing him to bring the question before God. And Moses brought their cause before the LORD. And the LORD spoke unto Moses… (Numbers Ch. XXVII v. 5-6)

 

         God, who on that day apparently was very connected to His feminine side, stated that not only would Noa and her sisters inherit their father’s estate, but that from now on this would be a precedent and apply to all.

 

         And if he has no daughter, then shall ye give his inheritance unto his brothers. And if he has no brothers, then shall ye give his inheritance unto his father’s brothers. And if his father have no brothers, then shall ye give his inheritance unto his kinsman that is next to him of his family, and he shall inherit it; and it shall be unto the children of Israel a statute of justice, as the LORD hath commanded Moses. (Numbers Ch. XXVII v. 8-11)

 

        The story of Noa and her sisters gives us inspiration to question society, not to accept discrimination, to struggle for what we believe in. It strengthens us in our belief that there is an alternative feminine way of dealing and coping with reality, building on our capacity of solidarity and support for one another.