Parashat V'zot Habracha - Second Aliyah
Read the biblical text and try to understand it on your own, before reading the commentary.
Levi receives responsibility, Benjamin receives closeness
The aliyah opens with the blessing of the tribe of Levi. Moses recalls the Tummim and the Urim and the trials that Levi went through, and stresses his loyalty to the covenant of God. The blessing describes a devotion in which the service of God comes before even the closest family ties, because the sons of Levi kept the word of God and his covenant.
Out of this loyalty the role of Levi within the people is also defined: to teach the judgments of God to Jacob and his Torah to Israel, and to engage in the service of the altar, in the incense and in the offerings. In other words, the tribe of Levi does not receive only a special status, but a responsibility to teach, to guide and to serve in the sanctuary.
Moses asks for a blessing on the strength of Levi and on the work of his hands, and that his service be accepted with favor. Alongside this he asks for protection from those who rise against him and those who hate him, so that he can go on fulfilling his role.
After the blessing of Levi the aliyah moves to the blessing of Benjamin. Benjamin is described as one who merits a special closeness to God, a dwelling of security and constant protection. The picture is one of a closeness in which God hovers over him all day long and dwells near him.
Insights from the aliyah
Levi teaches that devotion requires an order of priorities
The blessing describes a situation in which loyalty to the covenant comes before even the closest ties. On the level of the idea, there are moments when a person must clarify what the highest value is that directs his life.
One who teaches others must first keep it himself
The role of the sons of Levi to teach the judgments and the Torah appears after the description of their loyalty to the covenant. This teaches that credible teaching begins with personal example, and not only with knowledge.
Sacred service includes both teaching and action
Levi is not described only as one who stands beside the altar. He also teaches Israel. On the level of the idea, a whole spirituality joins together understanding, passing it on to others and doing in practice.
Even one who works for the community needs a blessing on the work of his hands
Moses asks that the work of Levi’s hands be accepted with favor. On the level of the idea, an important role does not guarantee success by itself. Even a rightful mission needs blessing, persistence and help.
Benjamin receives a blessing of closeness and security
Not every blessing deals with strength, plenty or leadership. With Benjamin the emphasis is on closeness, protection and the divine presence. This reminds us that there are blessings whose value lies precisely in the feeling of security and belonging.
There is a difference between a role and a place
Levi receives a blessing that emphasizes service, teaching and work. Benjamin receives a blessing that emphasizes a place of closeness and the divine presence. On the level of the idea, within one people there can be different kinds of mission and blessing.
The aliyah joins responsibility with closeness
Levi represents active responsibility toward the people and the Torah, and Benjamin represents closeness and security. Together they form a picture in which the service of God includes both binding action and a place of rest and belonging.
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