The Yissachar-Zevulun relationship was truly unique. Indeed, Moshe blessed these two brothers concurrently, since Zevulun, who engaged in commerce, split his earnings with Yissachar, who devoted his time to Torah study. The Zohar Ha’kadosh explains that Yissachar and Zevulun shared equally. Zevulun shared his material abundance with Yissachar, while Yissachar enabled Zevulun to receive a portion in the World to Come. This “equality,” however, seems puzzling. Is there any way to compare the eternal bliss of Olam Ha’bah to the limited material benefits of Olam Ha’zeh? Why, then, is this viewed as a parallel partnership?
Horav Ch. Elazary, z.l., explains that actually Zevulun was also the beneficiary of material advantage. As a result of Zevulun’s support of Yissachar’s Torah study, he attained the spiritual level of Yissachar. Thus, he benefitted from the sublime peace and joy accorded to one who devotes himself to Torah study.
Horav Elazary cites the Rabbeinu Bachya, who explains the reason that Yissachar’s blessing was expressed in only two words. Moshe tells Yissachar “And Yissachar (rejoice) in your tents.” He states that, in fact, these two words encompass every possible blessing. Moshe was telling the tribe of Yissachar to rejoice in Torah study, for there is no greater source of true happiness. As it says in Tehillim 19:9, “The statutes of Hashem are upright; they make the heart rejoice.” This idea is especially relevant when we read this parsha on Simchas Torah, the festival on which we rejoice with the Torah. May the inherent joy stimulated by Torah study be the catalyst of inspiration for a life of contentness and bliss.
