TORAH STUDIES: LINKING SCRIPTURES

TORAH WEEK 54 VEZOT HA'BRACHA

54 - Torah Portion: Vezot HaBracha "This Is the Blessing" וְזֹאת הַבְּרָכָה

Portion Summary

In this fifty-fourth and final Torah portion, Vezot ha'Bracha (וְזֹאת הַבְּרָכָה), meaning "and this is the blessing," derives its name from the first words of Deuteronomy 33:1. This reading is traditionally done on Simchat Torah ("Rejoicing of the Torah"), marking both the conclusion and renewal of the Torah reading cycle. The portion includes Moses' final blessings to the twelve tribes, his view of the Promised Land from Mount Nebo, and the account of his death and burial.

Torah:
Deuteronomy 33:1-29 — Moses' blessings over the twelve tribes.
Deuteronomy 34:1-12 — Moses' ascent of Mount Nebo, his view of the Promised Land, and his passing.

Targum of Pseudo-Jonathan on Deuteronomy 34 — Provides additional details about Moses' passing, emphasizing his unique relationship with YHVH.

Writings:
Joshua 1:1-18 — The transition of leadership to Joshua, encouragement to be strong and courageous, and the preparation for entering Canaan.

Nevi'im:

Gospels and Epistles:
Acts 1:1-14 — Y'shua's ascension, with instructions to the disciples to wait for the Holy Spirit, paralleling Moses' final words and the continuation of leadership.

Apocrypha:
Book of Jasher 87:1-16 — An account of Moses' final blessings and the legacy he leaves with Joshua and the tribes.
Apocalypse of Moses 33:1-5 — Reflections on Moses' passing, viewed in the context of his covenant and obedience to YHVH.
2 Esdras 14:1-50 — Ezra's recounting of Moses' life and leadership, along with a renewed call to uphold the covenant.Key Themes:

The Final Blessing and Legacy of Moses:
Moses imparts blessings on each of the twelve tribes, uniquely recognizing their individual roles and strengths, providing them with spiritual guidance as they prepare to enter Canaan.

Renewal and Continuity:
The transition from Moses to Joshua symbolizes the continuity of leadership and the ongoing covenant with Israel. Moses' legacy is remembered as the people move forward with a new leader.

Faithfulness to YHVH's Covenant:
The blessings echo the covenant promises and remind Israel of their responsibilities and privileges as YHVH's chosen people.

Completion and Renewal:
Simchat Torah celebrates both the end and the beginning, reminding the community that the study and observance of the Torah is a lifelong cycle of learning and devotion.

Reflection:
This portion invites reflection on legacy, the importance of leadership, and the unending journey of Torah study and observance. As Moses departs, he leaves Israel with blessings, wisdom, and a sense of purpose. The cycle of reading the Torah begins anew, underscoring the importance of revisiting YHVH's words and continuously seeking understanding.

The portion calls each generation to courage, strength, and unwavering commitment to YHVH's commandments as they step forward in faith, just as Moses instructed Israel long ago. Mount Nebo holds profound historical and spiritual significance in the biblical narrative. Located in modern-day Jordan, it is the mountain from which Moses viewed the Promised Land. In Deuteronomy34, it's recounted that after leading the Israelites through the wilderness for 40 years, Moses was allowed to see the land of Canaan from this vantage point.

However, due to previous transgressions, he was not permitted to enter. Moses then died on Mount Nebo, and YHVH is said to have buried him in an undisclosed location, emphasizing the mystery and sanctity surrounding his final resting place.