The Final Portion of the Torah – Vezot Haberachah: The Final Blessings of Moses

By: Rabbi Moshe Lichtman
September 30, 2021

Rabbi Moshe Lichtman presents Israel in the Torah portion on the final parsha in the Torah, “Vezot HaBracha.”

On Simchat Torah, we read the final portion of the Torah, Vezot Haberachah. This parsha, unlike others typically read on Shabbat, is read on this joyous holiday. Let’s explore the rich content and significance of this concluding section of the Torah.

The Structure of Vezot Haberachah

The parsha consists of two main chapters:

  1. The blessings Moses gave to the children of Israel before his death
  2. The account of Moses’ death and the transition of leadership to Joshua

Moses’ Praise of God and Israel

Before blessing each tribe, Moses praises God in a way that also highlights the praiseworthy attributes of the Jewish people. He recounts how God offered the Torah to all nations, but only Israel accepted it, demonstrating their loyalty and willingness to embrace God’s commandments.

The Torah as an Inheritance

A famous passage in this parsha states, “The Torah that Moses commanded us is the inheritance of the congregation of Jacob” (Deuteronomy 33:4). This verse emphasizes that the Torah is not just an inheritance (yerusha) but a heritage (morasha). Unlike a regular inheritance, which can be used or disposed of at will, a morasha carries the obligation to preserve and pass it on to future generations.

Blessings for the Tribes

Moses then proceeds to bless each of the tribes of Israel. Here’s a brief overview of the blessings:

  1. Reuben: Assurance of life and continuity despite past sins
  2. Judah: Acknowledgment of repentance and prayer for strength
  3. Levi: Praise for their dedication to God’s service and teaching of Torah
  4. Benjamin: Referred to as “beloved of the Lord,” with his portion including the Temple
  5. Joseph: Blessed with abundant natural resources and strength
  6. Zebulun and Issachar: Praised for their partnership of commerce and Torah study
  7. Gad: Commended for their military prowess and fulfilling their promise
  8. Dan: Likened to a lion’s whelp, praised for their strength
  9. Naphtali: Blessed with satisfaction and favor
  10. Asher: Blessed with children, oil-rich land, and favor among brothers

The Death of Moses

The parsha concludes with the account of Moses’ death. Key points include:

  • God shows Moses the entire Land of Israel from Mount Nebo
  • Moses dies “by the mouth of God” at the age of 120
  • God Himself buries Moses in an unknown location
  • The children of Israel mourn for 30 days
  • Joshua becomes the new leader, filled with the spirit of wisdom

The Uniqueness of Moses

The Torah ends by emphasizing that no prophet like Moses ever arose in Israel. This underscores Moses’ unparalleled relationship with God and his role in giving the Torah to Israel.

Vezot Haberachah serves as a powerful conclusion to the Torah, encapsulating blessings for the future, honoring the unique leadership of Moses, and setting the stage for the next phase of Israel’s journey. As we complete the annual Torah reading cycle, we are reminded of the enduring legacy of Moses and the eternal relevance of the Torah to the Jewish people.

Rabbi Moshe Lichtman

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