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שמח זבולן בצאתך ויששכר באהלך

Rejoice, O’ Zevulun, in your excursions, and Yissachar in your tent. (33:18)

The definition of a good life is relative. Clearly, there are those who have very few material comforts, yet they never complain. After all, they do not sense a need for anything more than what they have. In contrast, there are those who seem to have everything, but it is never enough. Yissachar and Zevulun characterize a utopian approach to Torah living. Yissachar devotes all of his time to Torah study. His material needs are addressed by his devoted brother, Zevulun, whose day is spent toiling in the world of commerce. Why is this considered utopia? Zevulun understands the need…

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האומר לאביו ולאמו לא ראיתיו ואת אחיו לא הכיר ואת בניו לא ידע כי שמרו אמרתך ובריתך ינצורו

The one who said of his father and mother, “I have not favored him”; his brothers he did not give recognition and his children he did not know; for they (the Leviim) have observed Your word and Your covenant they preserved. (33:9)

As Moshe Rabbeinu prepared to bless Shevet Levi, he characterized it according to the unusual qualities and virtues of the people. He related their unwavering devotion to the Almighty, their consummate ability to withstand and triumph over the most difficult challenges – all because of their intense fealty to Hashem. Nothing stood in their way – not even their most personal commitments. Their commitment to Hashem transcended everything. This quality was evinced during the sin of the Golden Calf when Moshe declared, Mi l’Hashem elai – “Whoever is for Hashem, join me!” (Shemos 32:26). Shevet Levi came forth in unison,…

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תורה צוה לנו משה מורשה קהלת יעקב

The Torah that Moshe commanded to us is the heritage of the Congregation of Yaakov. (33:4)

The Torah does not belong to a select few, to a spiritual elite who acknowledge, appreciate and value everything that it has to offer. The Torah belongs to Kehillas Yaakov, the entire congregation of Yaakov. All Jews have a portion in this inheritance. What are we doing about it? The story is told that one Simchas Torah, the venerable sage, founder of the mussar, ethical/character refinement, movement, Horav Yisrael Salanter, zl, was engrossed in lively dancing with his students. The mood was electrifying. Suddenly, for what seemed to be no reason, Rav Yisrael stopped dancing, and his mood turned pensive…

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ד' מסיני בא וזרח משעיר למו הופיע מהר פארן

Hashem came from Sinai having shone forth to them from Seir, having appeared from Har Paran. (33:2)

Sifri teaches that, prior to giving the Torah to Klal Yisrael, Hashem offered it to the nations of the world. “Are you willing to accept the Torah?” Hashem asked, “What is written in it?” was the immediate reply. No gentile nation was willing to accept a legal system and guide which they thought would be incompatible with its chosen lifestyle. Thus, once the citizens of the three dominant nations of the world heard that moral deviation, theft and murder were prohibited forms of activity, they wanted no part of the Torah. These sins constituted a way of life for them….

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