Parshah Vezos Haberachah
TL;DR of the Text
Moses dies after delivering his last blessing to the tribes of Israel.
Major Themes
The roots of capitalist extraction run deep
Even the Torah makes modern Zionism’s claims illegitimate
Moses, the most humble and exalted
*Important attribution note: All quotes listed in this article are credited to the Artscroll Stone Edition Chumash. Here is an Extremely Clear Citation so I don’t get in trouble: Nosson Scherman, Hersh Goldwurm, Avie Gold, & Meir Zlotowitz. (2015). The Chumash: the Torah, Haftaros and Five Megillos. Mesorah Publications, Ltd.
Deuteronomy 33:20*
“Of Gad he said: Blessed is He Who broadens Gad; he dwells like a lion, tearing off arm and even head. He chose the first portion for himself, for that is where the lawgiver’s plot is hidden; he came at the head of the nation, carrying out Hashem’s justice and His ordinances with Israel.” After Moses’ epic curse in the last chapter, it’s time for him to bless each tribe. Gad’s is interesting because of its capitalistic admissions. Moses blessed Gad because he, like any good capitalist overlord (the Torah uses the word “lawgiver,” but potato-potahto), “chose the first portion for himself.”
Always gotta think about how to extract the best spoils from your people, amirite? And he was rewarded by being appointed the head of the nation!
Deuteronomy 33:27-28*
“That is the abode of God immemorial, and below are the world’s mighty ones; He drove the enemy away from before you, and He said, ‘Destroy!’ Thus Israel shall dwell secure, solitary, in the likeness of Jacob, in a land of grain and wine; even his heavens shall drip with dew.” Let’s use Zionist logic for a second. Let’s say they have a God-given homeland smack in the middle of many ancient civilizations.
Based on their own holy book’s criteria, there’s no way God condones modern Israel! It says it right there in the passage: if God gave it to them, they would dwell securely.
Zionist logic fails on every level, even its own.
Deuteronomy 34:10*
“Never again has there arisen in Israel a prophet like Moses, whom Hashem had known face to face.” Oh yes, Moses, the most humble. Moses, the author of the Torah, the writer of the holy book that depicted Moses as the best prophet who ever lived and ever will live.
It’s easy to say Moses was the best prophet ever when Moses’ laws called for executing “false” prophets.
*Again with the Extremely Clear Citation so I don’t get in trouble: Nosson Scherman, Hersh Goldwurm, Avie Gold, & Meir Zlotowitz. (2015). The Chumash : the Torah, Haftaros and Five Megillos. Mesorah Publications, Ltd.
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