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Why did Moshe specify a different berachah for each shevet instead of
giving them all one general berachah? Moshe keenly felt that his lofty
spiritual level was in the merit of Bnei Yisrael. He therefore felt a The berachah to Shevet Shimon is hinted to in the berachah of Yehudah.
tremendous sense of hakarat hatov toward them. He did not suffice with Why didn’t Moshe bless Shevet Shimon individually? Wasn’t he
a general blessing, but blessed each shevet individually, so that everyone concerned that they would feel a sense of isolation and insult at his
would feel his personal blessing. Moshe felt gratitude toward each and seeming stance of ignorance toward them? And why did Moshe choose to
every one of the shevatim, from whom he gained knowledge. The Torah couch their blessing in that of Yehudah?
recorded Moshe’s berachot as a lesson for future generations about the Why did Moshe hold the entire Shevet Shimon responsible for Zimri’s
wonderful trait of gratitude. sin? If they themselves didn’t die in the plague, obviously they weren’t
responsible for it.
Whoever recognizes the good of his friend will eventually recognize the
good of Hashem, and vice versa. Adam Harishon blamed Chava for his Moshe did not completely exclude Shevet Shimon; proof being that he
sin, thereby denying Hashem’s kindness toward him. Similarly, Kayin presented them with a Torah Scroll, just like the rest of the shevatim.For
murdered Hevel, even though he had demonstrated his recognition of his part, Moshe truly desired to confer blessing upon them. But he was
Hashem’s good by being the first to offer Him a korban. His failing was afraid that the Middat Hadin wouldstepin, as their Nasi had caused a
that he offered something that was intrinsically forbidden, since it was tremendous plague in Am Yisrael, as well as a war of revenge, which
kilayim. This was not a fitting offering and demonstrated that, in fact, he eventually resulted in Moshe’s death.
lacked true gratitude to Hashem, Who created the world. Moshe blessed the tribe of Yehudah with the words “Hearken to
Kayin, likewise, denied Hevel’s kindness in sharing his wheat with his Yehudah’s voice.” He asked that the prayers of Shevet Yehudah be heard
older brother. This ultimately brought Kayin to kill his brother and deny on High and not be impeded by the Middat Hadin. The words “And bring
Hashem’s sovereignty. him to his people” indicate that Shevet Shimon was still included in the
Twelve Tribes. The phrase “He became King over Yeshurun” hints to
Moshe Rabbeinu had the same neshamah-root as Hevel, who recognized Shevet Yehudah, who would demonstrate the power of the king in bearing
Hashem’s goodness. He offered the choicest sheep of his flock. Moshe, responsibility for Shevet Shimon, including him in Am Yisrael, without
too, demonstrated hakarat hatov to even inanimate objects, such as the distinction. For this reason, Moshe included Shevet Shimon in the
Nile and the earth. Yitro, who contained a nitzotz of Kayin, rectified the blessing of Yehudah.
latter’s deeds by bringing superior offerings to Hashem.
Parashat Vezot Haberachah, which records Moshe’s death, is intrinsically
connected to parashat Bereishit, describing Creation. The death of the
righteous atones for the inhabitants of this world and allows the world to # 26347-EYAL-6BOOKS - 26347-Dvarim-EYAL | 18 - B | 18-08-19 | 13:48:17 | SR:-- | Black 26347-EYAL-6BOOKS -