The Blessing to Zevulun and Yissachar
What does Zevulun represent in the Blessing?
Success in commerce and going out to work or trade (possibly sea trade)
Where does Moshe go to view the Land of Israel?
Mount Nevo
What tribe receives the most material blessings in the parsha?
Yosef (through Ephraim and Menashe)
Who takes over after Moshe's death?
Yehoshua bin Nun
What does “V’Zot HaBracha” mean?
“And this is the blessing.”
What does Yissachar do “in his tents”?
Devotes himself to Torah study and scholarship.
What was unique about Moshe's death?
He died “by the mouth of God” (traditionally, a kiss), and God Himself buried him.
What do the “precious things of the land” refer to?
Fertile land, abundant produce, and natural resources.
How did Moshe transfer leadership to Yehoshua?
By placing his hands on him (semicha) and giving him a charge.
On what holiday is this parsha always read?
Simchat Torah.
What type of relationship existed between Zevulun and Yissachar?
A partnership. Zevulun supported Yissachar financially so he could study Torah.
Why is Moshe's burial place unknown?
To prevent it from becoming a site of idolatry or a pilgrimage shrine.
What is Yosef compared to in the blessing?
An ox with powerful horns—symbolizing strength and dominance.
What quality is Yehoshua described as having in pasuk 9?
A spirit of wisdom (ruach chochmah).
How many tribes receive individual blessings?
Twelve (all the tribes of Israel).
What is the reward Zevulun receives for supporting Yissachar?
He shares equally in Yissachar’s spiritual reward.
How old was Moshe when he died?
120 years old
Why is Yosef given such great blessings?
For his righteousness and his role in saving his family and Egypt.
What is the people’s reaction to Yehoshua's leadership?
They obey him, as they did Moshe, because God appointed him.
What happens immediately after we finish this parsha in public Torah reading?
We begin reading Bereishit (Genesis) again, starting the Torah cycle anew.
How is their partnership an example for modern Jewish life?
It models the balance between those who learn Torah and those who support it, both are essential and honored.
What does the Torah say about Moshe’s status as a prophet?
There never arose a prophet like Moshe, who knew God “face to face.”
How do Ephraim and Menashe relate to Yosef's blessing?
They inherit and embody Yosef’s blessing as two powerful tribes.
What leadership lesson can we learn from this transition?
True leaders prepare successors and ensure continuity of mission.
What is one theme that connects the entire parsha?
Continuity of the Jewish people and the Torah’s eternal relevance.