The Torah closes not with laws but with love: Moses, “the man of God,” gathers every stratum of Israel and blesses the tribes - different strengths, one people. From Levi’s teaching fire to Benjamin’s refuge “between the shoulders,” from Joseph’s overflowing bounty to Zebulun/Issachar’s commerce and learning partnership, the parsha sketches a map of communal interdependence. Moses then ascends Nebo, sees the land he will not enter, and dies. Yet, the story refuses to end: “There was no prophet like Moses…,” and we roll the scroll back to Bereishit. On Simchat Torah, endings become launchpads, and blessing becomes our bridge.
We unpack:
• All tribes blessing: Distinct callings, shared covenant—what unity looks like without uniformity
• Levi’s charge: Teaching Torah with fire and fairness; why spiritual leadership needs grit
• Benjamin/Joseph’s gifts: Sanctuary and sustenance—belonging as protection, bounty as responsibility
• “Everlasting arms”: Trusting the God who rides the heavens and steadies us underneath
• Moses’ last view: Grief, gratitude, and how to hand work forward without holding it back
Parshat V’Zot HaBerachah 5786
Torah: Deuteronomy 33:1–34:12 | Haftarah: Joshua 1:1–18
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