Vezot Habracha 2020

1Despite predictions of doom surrounding the next phase of Israel’s existence Moshe leaves this most extraordinary and full hearted blessing. Like Jacob before him Moshe views the tribes as his own children. He first blesses each tribe individually. Much of the content of the final blessing focuses on military strength and resistance:

2Reuven and Gad are at the front lines. Reuven is promised no war casualties, “Let Reuven live and not die!” Gad is blessed with extraordinary physical power. “Blessed is Gad who is like a lion who tears off arms and heads (of enemies)!” Judah the warrior is included in the Reuven blessing. “And (the same blessing as was blessed Reuven) goes for Judah. Hear oh G-d his voice and bring him back to his people (after war with no casualties). Judah’s power is even too great even for him alone (he will share his portion with his brother Shimon). You will help him overcome his detractors (enemies)!” To the tribe of Levi Moshe blesses his service both in the temple and in the study hall,”Let them teach Your Laws to Jacob and Your Torah to Israel. They will offer the incense and the sacrifices in Your Temple!” Moshe also blesses Levi’s warrior self. “Bless G-d his army, accept the work of his hands, and crush the loins of his enemies and his haters so that they will not be able to rise!” Benjamin is the guardian of the holy place. (The temple is in his portion) His blessing is to be in a state of “Betach” meaning confidence and strength. G-d will hover over Benjamin all the day (to protect him) for in his portion the presence of G-d will rest. Joseph will in addition to great wealth be like a Re’em and gore many nations to the ends of the land. Zebulon and Issachar partner so that Zebulon will go out to war while Issachar will stay behind to study Torah. “Be joyous Zebulon when you go out and Issachar in your tents.” Ibn Ezra explains the “going out” refers to going out to war. Dan is described as a fearsome warrior, “Dan is a lion’s cub leaping down from the Bashan”. The leaping lion of Dan leapt into war with Leshem and conquered his territory. Interesting footnote here is the Jordan River so named due to its source being in Dan’s portion. Jor-dan is short for “yored medan” meaning it flows down from Dan’s portion. The spring of Banias, the source of the Jordan River, is located in the land Dan conquered from Leshem. Naphtali is instructed to go take his portion. “You Naphtali are satiated with will and full of G-d’s blessing. You will conquer both the sea and the south.”Asher is the most blessed of all the sons”. By receiving this blessing Asher’s blessing includes all the others.

3Finally Moshe blesses the entire nation: “You are fortunate Israel, who is like you, your salvation is in the hands of G-d your shield and helper whose sword will be in the hand of your heroes. Your enemies will be diminished before you and you will trample on the necks of kings.

4Only after leaving this final blessing is Moshe able to go peacefully to his death. He now feels that with this blessing the people will be able to go forth to war with the local kings and earn what was promised back in Egypt ch6 v8: “and I will bring you to the land that I promised to give to Abraham Isaac and Jacob and I will give it to you as an inheritance I am G-d”

5Dedicated to Joel Shulman A’H