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VEZOT HA’BRACHA
On Simchat Torah, The Day Of
Rejoicing With The Torah, we complete our yearly reading of the Torah and
begin the cycle again. What
is the connection between the day itself and the portion of Scripture read
which is called Vezot Ha’Bracha, This is the Blessings?
Why do we celebrate the Torah on this day instead of on Shavuot
when it was first given? One
point must be made clear to avoid confusion.
Shemini Atzeret, the Eighth Day of Succoth and a festival in its
own right, and Simchat Torah, the day following, were originally a single
festival. Outside the land of
Israel, however, when we celebrate two festive days instead of one, they
are separated. But they are
in essence a single religious event, and they are treated as such.
On every festival we read a passage
from the Torah relating to that day.
The eighth day of Succoth, Shemini Atzeret, is stated in Leviticus
23:36. G-d commands us to
celebrate this day, a separate day. Scholars
say that G-d wanted His people to tarry with Him one more day. As the end of the cycle of the year’s festivals and
readings, Moshe blesses the Children of Israel, thus Vezot Ha’Bracha
from Deuteronomy 33:1. An
appropriate HafTorah portion would be from 1 Kings 8:54-66 where Solomon
blesses the people of his time.
Festivals are given by G-d, not only
for the celebrations, nor for the blessings that Moshe gave, but to point
out that Israel is a unique people-a royal priesthood and the apple of
G-d’s eye. Read the following Scriptures:
Deut 7:6
Eph 19:5-6
1 Peter 2:9
Deut
32:9-10
Prov 7:2
Zech 2:8
Even though these Torah portions are
strongly connected to the feast of Shavuot, the season of the giving of
the Torah, Vezot Ha’Bracha/Shemini Atzeret has a special emphasis on
Israel’s uniqueness. The
Torah was given on Shavuot. 40
days later, the second set was given and the path of return was set. The
people were forgiven on Yom Kippur, 40 days after Moshe went back up the
mountain. The Torah is a sign
of redemption. The Torah is
established in our hearts (Romans 2:31).
The Torah shows our sin (Romans 7:7).
The Torah is holy (Romans 7:12).
The Torah is spiritual (Romans 7:14).
All Scripture is given by inspiration of G-d, is profitable for
doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,
that the man of G-d may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good
works (2 Tim 3:16, 17)
We rejoice with the Torah, Simchat
Torah, because we were given the Torah.
Our greatest joy is to know that our names are written in the
Lamb’s Book of Life (Rev 21:27).
The festivals and Feasts of the Lord
are not self-contained events. They
are days of light and joy and are to remain year round.
The theme of this season is repentance with the joy of forgiveness.
We are to be a light unto the world, sharing our great joy with
all.
Shalom
U’Bracha
Rabbi Z
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