Full Circle
The last verse in the entire Torah describes Moshe’s greatness. Devarim (34:12) states, “All of the strong hand, great awesomeness that Moshe performed (“asah”) in front of the eyes of the Jews.” Rashi states that this refers to the fact that Moshe received the luchos, tablets from Hashem, and performed the miracles in the desert, etc. Moshe used the mateh, staff, to perform many miracles in Egypt and in the desert as well.
Prior Existence
The Chasam Sofer (Rabbi Moshe Sofer, 1762 – 1839) points out that the term used to describe Moshe’s feat is that of asah, to make, and not barah, to create. This is for a specific reason. The term barah is reserved only for the creation that Hashem brings into the world, something from nothing. This is why the first verse in the Torah describes (Bereishis 1:1), “Bereishis barah Elokim…, in the beginning, God created (from nothing)…” The actions of Moshe were ones that utilized things specifically created already by Hashem. The mateh of Moshe as well as the luchos and the many miracles performed in the desert such as the manna, the well and the ground that swallowed up Korach and his group were all created at the end of the sixth day of the original creation of the world (See Avos 5:6) and used in their proper time.
Chasam Sofer explains that this phenomenon ties together the end of the Torah which talks about these items that were created during the period of Bereishis, with the beginning of the Torah which describes the creation. This explanation is clear, however, what is the significance of tying the beginning and end together?
First Lesson
Two vital points stand to be expressed here. When the Torah connects the beginning and end together it shows that all is connected and interrelated. Torah is deep and just when one reads the last verse and thinks that he has gotten to the end, he is sent right back to the beginning. Another reading and another contemplation will reveal even further beauty and depth. The Torah is Hashem’s wisdom and one can toil for eternity to learn its depth and still have more to know. This is the wisdom contained in the Torah.
One learns a verse as a child and toils to understand it. Then as he gets older he learns the Rashi on the verse and sees that it is even deeper. He advances and learns the Gemara and Midrash on the verse and is moved by its depth. “How beautiful that Midrash is, I can’t believe that I never knew that before.” One continues and learns the Zohar on the verse and is inspired with further understanding. One learns the words of the Arizal on a verse and that of later commentators such as the Vilna Goan and one sees the true depth that was not fully grasped when learning the simple verse as a child and even as an adult. The Torah is endless in its wisdom and the beauty that it has to impart in those whom toil in its holy study.
Second Lesson
Another point is the fact that Chazal (Shabbos 88a) tell us that when Hashem created the world he made a condition with creation that it would all continue to exist only if the Jews would accept the Torah on that fateful day 2448 years later. If they would not, then the entire universe would cease to exist. Thus, the fact that the end of the Torah connects back to the beginning of the Torah is most relevant. It was only in the merit of the great Jewish nation and their leader Moshe that the entire world was even created and sustained. This is said explicitly by Chazal (see Rashi on first verse in Torah) who state, “Bereishis, the world was created in the merit of the Jews who are called “Hashem’s first born.”
As we approach this great milestone of completing the Torah reading for the year, let us understand why on the very day that we finish the Torah, we begin it anew as well. We wish to show that our quest for knowledge and connection with Hashem is always fresh, new and continuous. We wish to deepen our understanding of Hashem’s wisdom and to contemplate about how the world was created for the sake of closeness to Hashem and to allow us to grow in spirituality. This indeed warrents a true celebration!
פרשת וזאת הברכה
True Faith
ולזבולן אמר שמח זבולן בצאתך ויששכר באהליך (לג:יח).
“…Rejoice Zevulan when you go out and Yissachar in your tents” (33:18).
Zevulan was the tribe of businessmen who supported the Torah learning of Yissachar. As the commentaries point out, this did not exempt or exclude Zevulan from learning, they too had their portion in Torah. In fact, I would like to point out the tremendous Torah outlook which Zevulan embodied expressed in the verse itself.
The Kli Yakar draws our attention to a fascinating observation which shows how connected to Torah the tribe of Zevulan actually was. Normally, when one leaves his residence pursuing business, he is nervous and uneasy. Doubts and fears possess him as he wonders whether his embarkment will be successful in earning money or not. Only upon returning home with satisfying profits is one finally happy and relieved. Here however the verse states that Zevulan would rejoice when he initially left to do business! Why is this so?
The Kli Yakar explains that Zevulan clearly understood Who runs the world! He was totally reliant on Hashem’s kindness! He confidently trusted that Hashem would take care of him and provide his family with their needs. He knew in his heart that he was doing his part in histadlus, humanly required efforts, to bring food to the table, but in reality Hashem runs the show! He understood that his success meant money for Yissachar, i.e. those learning, and so he was confident that Hashem would help them all! This is the proper outlook of a true Ben Torah.
The Vilna Goan expresses a beautiful thought regarding reliance in Hashem as well. It must be noted that each situation is unique; this is only a general framework and is by no means comprehensive.
He states that there are three distinct times when one manifests his trust in Hashem.
1- In a time of trouble, one should turn to Hashem exclusively.
2- When a resolution to his problems is necessary, he should only want Hashem to save him!
3- When Hashem comes through and saves him, he should not forget to thank Hashem sincerely and whole-heartedly!
He then shows how these three stages are alluded to in Tehillim (13:6):
1- ואני בחסדך בטחתי, (when troubles arise,) I rely only on Your kindness (Hashem)!
2- יגל לבי בישועתך, when I need to be saved, I recognize and savor Your kindness towards me.
3- אשירה לה’ כי גמל עלי, (After the salvation arrives,) I give thanks to Hashem for all that He did for me!
This is how someone connected to Torah views the world. While pursuing his means of livelihood, he clearly understands that in actuality Hashem is the only provider of his needs. This perspective brings confidence and joy!
פרשת וזאת הברכה
Parshas Vzos Haberacha
True Faith
ולזבולן אמר שמח זבולן בצאתך ויששכר באהליך (לג:יח).
“…Rejoice Zevulan when you go out and Yissachar in your tents” (33:18).
Zevulan was the tribe of businessmen who supported the Torah learning of Yissachar. As the commentaries point out, this did not exempt or exclude Zevulan from learning, they too had their portion in Torah. In fact, I would like to point out the tremendous Torah outlook which Zevulan embodied that is expressed in the verse itself.
Confidence
The Kli Yakar draws our attention to a fascinating observation which shows how connected to Torah the tribe of Zevulan actually was. Normally, when one leaves his residence pursuing business, he is nervous and uneasy. Doubts and fears possess him as he wonders whether his embarkment will be successful in earning money or not. Only upon returning home with satisfying profits is one finally happy and relieved. Here, however, the verse states that Zevulan would rejoice when he initially left to do business! Why is this so?
The Kli Yakar explains that Zevulan clearly understood Who runs the world! He was totally reliant on Hashem’s kindness! He confidently trusted that Hashem would take care of him and provide his family with their needs. He knew in his heart that he was doing his part in histadlus, humanly required efforts, to bring food to the table, but in reality Hashem runs the show! He understood that his success meant money for Yissachar, i.e., those learning, and so he was confident that Hashem would help them all! This is the proper outlook of a true ben Torah.
Reliance in Hashem
The Vilna Goan expresses a beautiful thought regarding reliance in Hashem as well. It must be noted that each situation is unique; this is only a general framework and is by no means comprehensive. He states that there are three distinct times when one manifests his trust in Hashem. (1) In a time of trouble, one should turn to Hashem exclusively. (2) When a resolution to his problems is necessary, he should only want Hashem to save him! (3) When Hashem comes through and saves him, he should not forget to thank Hashem sincerely and whole-heartedly!
He then shows how these three stages are alluded to in Tehillim (13:6): (1) ואני בחסדך בטחתי, (when troubles arise,) I rely only on Your kindness (Hashem)! (2) יגל לבי בישועתך, when I need to be saved, I recognize and savor Your kindness towards me. (3) אשירה לה’ כי גמל עלי, (After the salvation arrives,) I give thanks to Hashem for all that He did for me!
This is how someone connected to Torah views the world. While pursuing his means of livelihood, he clearly understands that in actuality Hashem is the only provider of his needs. This perspective brings confidence and joy!
© 2007-2016 by JOSEPH TROPPER.