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Vezot HaBerakha

Moses’ Blessing

Moses’ blessing to the children of Israel is superior to all other blessings bestowed by leaders of previous generations. This is because his is a complete blessing, and because he blessed Israel generously.

“This is the blessing that Moses...blessed (Deuteronomy 33:1). That is the meaning of what the verse states: “Many daughters have performed valiantly, but you have surpassed them all” (Proverbs 31:29). This is a reference to the blessing of Moses, as in previous generations, each and every one blessed his generation, but none of them equaled Moses’ blessing.

Noah blessed his sons but made a division in his words; he blessed one and he cursed one: “May God expand Yefet” (Genesis 9:27) by making him wealthy. He said about Canaan, the son of his son Ham: “Cursed is Canaan” (Genesis 9:25). Isaac blessed Jacob and a quarrel ensued, as he said to Esau: “Your brother came with deceit, and he took your blessing” (Genesis 27:35), and it is written: “Esau hated Jacob” (Genesis 27:41). Jacob blessed the tribes and a quarrel ensued, as he said to Reuben: “Impetuous as water, you shall not excel” (Genesis 49:4), and likewise: “Simeon and Levi are brothers; weapons of villainy are their heritage” (Genesis 49:5)….

Moses, who is generous, shall come and bless Israel. Solomon said about him: “A generous eye will be blessed [yevorakh]” (Proverbs 22:9). Do not read it as “will be blessed,” yevorakh, but rather as “will bless,” yevarekh. This is a reference to Moses our teacher, who was generous when blessing Israel. (Tanĥuma [Buber], Vezot HaBerakha)