Lessons for today, Wednesday, 7 Tishrei, 5785 - October 9, 2024
Summary of Today's Chumash The fourth aliyah contains the blessings for the tribes of Zevulun and Yissachar, and Gad. Zevulun and Yissachar are blessed together in one blessing because they were partners: Zevulun would be merchants, and take half of their profits to support Yissachar, whose occupation was to study Torah. Since Zevulun's support made Yissachar's Torah study possible, Zevulun is listed first in this blessing. But this aliyah also mentions the Torah study of Zevulun, indicating that even those who support Torah study are obligated to study Torah themselves. Gad is blessed with strength since their portion is across the Jordan from Israel, where there is more danger from enemies. They are blessed also for choosing the portion where Moshe's burial place would be. |