Pisqa’ 356125H:376-378; JN2:450-452 1. “The Primordial God is a refuge” (me`onah; Dt.33:27). Three scrolls [of the Torah] were kept in the Courtyard [to ensure accurate versions of the text]. One transmitted [variant readings of] me`onim. One spelled the pronoun “he” (hu’) as “she” (hy’), and one was called the “youngster scroll” (sefer za`atutim). In one scroll, there was written: “The Primeval God is a ma`on ( Dt.33:27). In two, there was written: “The Primeval God is a me`onim ( Dt.33:27). Sages suppressed the one version and preserved the other two [for copying]. In one scroll, there were written nine instances of “she” (hy’) [that should have read “he” (hu’)]. And in two others, eleven instances of “she” (hy’) [that should have read “he” (hu ’)]. Sages suppressed the one text and preserved the other two.126Cf. ARNA, 34 and ARNB, 38. The text is uncertain, as the commentary, Pnei Moshe (Y. Ta`anit 4:2), points out. My translation follows his guidance. In one there was written: “And he sent the youngsters (za`atutei) of the Israelites” (Ex.24:5) and “But he did not send to the youngsters (za`atutei) of the Israelites” (Ex.24:11). And in two there was written: “And he sent the lads (na`arei) of the Israelites” (Ex.24:5) and “But he did not send to the young nobles (‘atzilei) of the Israelites” (Ex.24:11). Sages suppressed the one text and preserved the other two.
“And He shall expel the rival from before you” (Dt.33:27)— this refers to those fleeing to Asya. “With this command—destroy!” (Dt.33:27)— this refers to [the Canaanite] inhabitants of the Land of Israel.
“And Israel takes shelter in security” (Dt.33:28) Actually, security has the sense of safety. And so does He say: “And they shall dwell securely in the wasteland, and sleep in the forest.” (Ezek.34:25).
“Alone (badad), by the spring of Jacob” (Dt.33:28)— not alone in the sense that Moses meant: “And HASHEM alone (badad) shall guide me” (Dt.32:12). And not alone in the sense that Jeremiah meant: “Because of Your hand, I dwelled alone” (badad; Jer.15:17). Rather, alone in the sense meant by that evil-doer [Bilam]: “They are a people who should be isolated” (levadad; Nu.23:9)
“By the spring of Jacob” (Dt.33:28)— this refers to the blessing given them by their Father Jacob, as it is said: “And God will be with you” (Gn.48:21).
“To a Land of grain and must” (Dt.33:28)— this refers to the blessing given them by their Father Isaac, as it is said: “And God shall give you from the dew of the Heavens” (Gn.27:28).
3. “Fortunate are you, Israel! Who can compare to you?” (Dt.33:29)— Israel says: “Who can compare to You, among the gods?” (Ex.15:11) And the Spirit of the Holy One responds: “Fortunate are you, Israel!” (Dt.33:29 “Fortunate are you, Israel!” (Dt.33:29) All Israel gathered together before Moses. They said to him: Master Moses! Tell us, what gracious deed is the Blessed Holy One ready to bestow upon us in the coming future? He replied to them: I don’t know what else to tell you! You are fortunate enough to have what has already been prepared for you! An analogy— A certain fellow placed his son under the tutelage of a tutor. He gave him a tour of the grounds, showing the boy around, saying: All these fruit trees are yours! All these grape vines are yours! All these olive trees are yours! When he tired of showing him the grounds, the tutor said: I don’t know what else to tell you! You are fortunate enough to have what has already been prepared for you! Thus did Moses say to Israel: I don’t know what else to tell you! You are fortunate enough to have what has already been prepared for you! [And, similarly, it is said:] “How great is Your bounty, which you have hidden away For those who stand in awe of You!” (Ps.31:20)
4. “Fortunate are you, Israel! Who can compare to you? A people spared (nosh`a) by HASHEM” (Dt.33:29)— that is, a people whose salvation (yeshu`ato) is from none other than the Presence! “Israel! Spared for HASHEM with an eternal salvation!” (Is.45:17).
“The Shield (magen) of Your help” (Dt.33:29)— along these lines, it is said: “My God! My Rock, in Whom I take shelter; my Shield (megini) and the plenitude of my salvation!” (2Sam.22:3)
“The sword (kherev) of Your triumph” (Dt.33:29)— The Blessed Holy One said: Moses! I am ready to give back to Israel the very trinkets taken from them at Horeb (khorev)! And along these lines, it is said: “So the Israelites divested themselves of their ornaments from Mount Horeb” (Ex.33:6)— I imposed an oath upon Myself to return them. And along these lines, it is said: “By My Life! —pronounces HASHEM— for you will all be decked out in finery, adorning yourself like a bride!” (Is.49:18)
5. “Your enemies shall fawn before you” (Dt.33:29)— when times are good for Israel, the nations of the world ingratiate themselves to Israel, and pretend to be brothers. Thus, did Esau say to Jacob: “I have plenty, my brother! Let yours be yours!” (Gn.33:9). And so did Hiram say to Solomon: “What are these cities which you have given me, my brother?” (1Ki.9:13)127Cf. Pisqa’ 322,2.
“As for you, you shall tread upon their cultic sites” (Dt.33:29)— for, in similar style, it is said: “Then Joshua called upon each man of Israel. And he said to the officers and warriors who accompanied him: Draw near, and put your feet on the necks of these kings!” (Josh.10:24)
(דברים לג כז) מְעֹנָה אֱלֹהֵי קֶדֶם, שְׁלֹשָׁה סְפָרִים נִמְצְאוּ בָּעֲזָרָה: אֶחָד שֶׁל מְעוֹנִים, וְאֶחָד שֶׁל הִיא הִיא, וְאֶחָד נִקְרָא סֵפֶר זַעֲטוּטִים. בְּאֶחָד כְּתִיב: ״מָעוֹן אֱלֹהֵי קֶדֶם״, וּבִשְׁנַיִם כְּתִיב מְעֹנָה אֱלֹהֵי קֶדֶם, בִּטְּלוּ חֲכָמִים אֶת הָאֶחָד וְקִיְּמוּ הַשְּׁנַיִם. בְּאֶחָד כְּתִיב תִּשְׁעָה ״הִיא״, וּבִשְׁנַיִם כְּתִיב אַחַד עָשָׂר ״הִיא״, בִּטְּלוּ חֲכָמִים אֶת הָאֶחָד וְקִיְּמוּ אֶת הַשְּׁנַיִם. בְּאֶחָד כְּתִיב: ״וַיִּשְׁלַח אֶת זַעֲטוּטֵי בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל״, ״וְאֶל זַעֲטוּטֵי בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל״, וּבִשְׁנַיִם כְּתִיב (שמות כד ה): ״וַיִּשְׁלַח אֶת נַעֲרֵי בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל״ (שם יא) ״וְאֶל אֲצִילֵי בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל״, בִּטְּלוּ חֲכָמִים אֶת הָאֶחָד וְקִיְּמוּ אֶת הַשְּׁנַיִם.
Pisqa’ 356125H:376-378; JN2:450-452
1. “The Primordial God is a refuge” (me`onah; Dt.33:27).
Three scrolls [of the Torah]
were kept in the Courtyard
[to ensure accurate versions of the text].
One transmitted [variant readings of] me`onim.
One spelled the pronoun “he” (hu’) as “she” (hy’),
and one was called the “youngster scroll” (sefer za`atutim).
In one scroll, there was written:
“The Primeval God is a ma`on ( Dt.33:27).
In two, there was written:
“The Primeval God is a me`onim ( Dt.33:27).
Sages suppressed the one version
and preserved the other two [for copying].
In one scroll, there were written
nine instances of “she” (hy’)
[that should have read “he” (hu’)].
And in two others,
eleven instances of “she” (hy’)
[that should have read “he” (hu ’)].
Sages suppressed the one text
and preserved the other two.126Cf. ARNA, 34 and ARNB, 38. The text is uncertain, as the commentary, Pnei Moshe (Y. Ta`anit 4:2), points out. My translation follows his guidance.
In one there was written:
“And he sent the youngsters (za`atutei) of the Israelites” (Ex.24:5) and
“But he did not send to the youngsters (za`atutei) of the Israelites” (Ex.24:11).
And in two there was written:
“And he sent the lads (na`arei) of the Israelites” (Ex.24:5) and
“But he did not send to the young nobles (‘atzilei) of the Israelites” (Ex.24:11).
Sages suppressed the one text
and preserved the other two.
וּמִתַּחַת זְרוֹעוֹת עוֹלָם, מְלַמֵּד שֶׁאֶרֶץ יִשְׂרָאֵל הִיא תָּקְפָהּ שֶׁל עוֹלָם.
2. “From below, the support of the world” (Dt.33:27)—
this explains that
the Land of Israel empowers the world.
וַיְגָרֶשׁ מִפָּנֶיךָ אוֹיֵב, אֵלּוּ שֶׁבָּרְחוּ לְאַסְיָא. וַיֹּאמֶר הַשְׁמֵד, אֵלּוּ יוֹשְׁבֵי אֶרֶץ יִשְׂרָאֵל.
“And He shall expel the rival from before you” (Dt.33:27)—
this refers to those fleeing to Asya.
“With this command—destroy!” (Dt.33:27)—
this refers to [the Canaanite]
inhabitants of the Land of Israel.
(דברים לג כח) וַיִּשְׁכֹּן יִשְׂרָאֵל בֶּטַח, אֵין בֶּטַח אֶלָּא רָחְצָן, וְכֵן הוּא אוֹמֵר (יחזקאל לד כה): ״וְיָשְׁבוּ בַמִּדְבָּר לָבֶטַח״.
“And Israel takes shelter in security” (Dt.33:28)
Actually, security has the sense of safety.
And so does He say:
“And they shall dwell securely in the wasteland, and sleep in the forest.” (Ezek.34:25).
בָּדָד, לֹא כְּבָדָד שֶׁאָמַר מֹשֶׁה (דברים לב יב): ״ה׳ בָּדָד יַנְחֶנּוּ״, וְלֹא כְּבָדָד שֶׁאָמַר יִרְמְיָה (ירמיה טו יז): ״מִפְּנֵי יָדְךָ בָּדָד יָשָׁבְתִּי״, אֶלָּא כְּבָדָד שֶׁאָמַר אוֹתוֹ רָשָׁע (במדבר כג ט): ״הֶן עָם לְבָדָד יִשְׁכֹּן״.
“Alone (badad), by the spring of Jacob” (Dt.33:28)—
not alone in the sense that Moses meant:
“And HASHEM alone (badad) shall guide me” (Dt.32:12).
And not alone in the sense that Jeremiah meant:
“Because of Your hand, I dwelled alone” (badad; Jer.15:17).
Rather, alone in the sense meant by that evil-doer [Bilam]:
“They are a people who should be isolated” (levadad; Nu.23:9)
עֵין יַעֲקֹב, בִּבְרָכָה שֶׁבֵּרְכָם יַעֲקֹב אֲבִיהֶם, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (בראשית מח כא): ״וְהָיָה אֱלֹהִים עִמָּכֶם״.
“By the spring of Jacob” (Dt.33:28)—
this refers to the blessing given them by their Father Jacob,
as it is said:
“And God will be with you” (Gn.48:21).
אֶל אֶרֶץ דָּגָן וְתִירוֹשׁ, בִּבְרָכָה שֶׁבֵּרְכָם יִצְחָק אֲבִיהֶם, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (בראשית כז כח): ״וְיִתֶּן לְךָ הָאֱלֹהִים מִטַּל הַשָּׁמַיִם״.
“To a Land of grain and must” (Dt.33:28)—
this refers to the blessing given them by their Father Isaac,
as it is said:
“And God shall give you from the dew of the Heavens” (Gn.27:28).
אַף שָׁמָיו יַעַרְפוּ טָל, כָּעִנְיָן שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (ישעיה מה ח): ״הַרְעִיפוּ שָׁמַיִם מִמָּעַל״.
“Even His Heavens will drizzle dew” (Dt.33:28)—
in accord with what is said:
“Drizzle down, you Heavens!” (Is.45:8)
(דברים לג כט) אַשְׁרֶיךָ יִשְׂרָאֵל מִי כָמוֹךָ, יִשְׂרָאֵל אוֹמְרִים (שמות טו יא): ״מִי כָמֹכָה בָּאֵלִים״, וְרוּחַ הַקֹּדֶשׁ אוֹמֶרֶת אַשְׁרֶיךָ יִשְׂרָאֵל. אַשְׁרֶיךָ יִשְׂרָאֵל, נִתְקַבְּצוּ כָּל יִשְׂרָאֵל אֵצֶל מֹשֶׁה, אָמְרוּ לוֹ: רַבֵּינוּ מֹשֶׁה, אֱמֹר לָנוּ מַה טּוֹבָה עָתִיד הַקָּדוֹשׁ בָּרוּךְ הוּא לִתֵּן לָנוּ לֶעָתִיד לָבוֹא. אָמַר לָהֶם: אֵינִי יוֹדֵעַ מָה אוֹמַר לָכֶם, אַשְׁרֵיכֶם מַה מְּתֻקָּן לָכֶם. מָשָׁל לְאָדָם שֶׁמָּסַר אֶת בְּנוֹ לְפֵידָגוֹג, וְהָיָה מַחְזִירוֹ וּמַרְאֶה אוֹתוֹ וְאוֹמֵר לוֹ: כָּל הָאִילָנוֹת הַלָּלוּ שֶׁלְּךָ, כָּל הַגְּפָנִים הַלָּלוּ שֶׁלְּךָ, כָּל הַזֵּיתִים הַלָּלוּ שֶׁלְּךָ. כְּשֶׁיָּגַע לְהַרְאוֹתוֹ אָמַר לוֹ: אֵינִי יוֹדֵעַ מָה אוֹמַר לְךָ, אַשְׁרֶיךָ מַה מְּתֻקָּן לְךָ. כָּךְ אָמַר מֹשֶׁה לְיִשְׂרָאֵל: אֵינִי יוֹדֵעַ מָה אוֹמַר לָכֶם, אַשְׁרֵיכֶם מַה מְּתֻקָּן לָכֶם, (תהלים לא כ): ״מָה רַב טוּבְךָ אֲשֶׁר צָפַנְתָּ לִּירֵאֶיךָ״.
3. “Fortunate are you, Israel! Who can compare to you?” (Dt.33:29)—
Israel says:
“Who can compare to You, among the gods?” (Ex.15:11)
And the Spirit of the Holy One responds:
“Fortunate are you, Israel!” (Dt.33:29
“Fortunate are you, Israel!” (Dt.33:29)
All Israel gathered together before Moses.
They said to him:
Master Moses!
Tell us, what gracious deed is the Blessed Holy One
ready to bestow upon us in the coming future?
He replied to them:
I don’t know what else to tell you!
You are fortunate enough to have
what has already been prepared for you!
An analogy—
A certain fellow placed his son
under the tutelage of a tutor.
He gave him a tour of the grounds,
showing the boy around, saying:
All these fruit trees are yours!
All these grape vines are yours!
All these olive trees are yours!
When he tired of showing him the grounds,
the tutor said:
I don’t know what else to tell you!
You are fortunate enough to have
what has already been prepared for you!
Thus did Moses say to Israel:
I don’t know what else to tell you!
You are fortunate enough to have
what has already been prepared for you!
[And, similarly, it is said:]
“How great is Your bounty, which you have hidden away
For those who stand in awe of You!” (Ps.31:20)
אַשְׁרֶיךָ יִשְׂרָאֵל מִי כָמוֹךָ עַם נוֹשַׁע בַּה׳, עַם שֶׁאֵין יְשׁוּעָתוֹ אֶלָּא בַּשְּׁכִינָה, (ישעיה מה יז) ״יִשְׂרָאֵל נוֹשַׁע בַּה׳ תְּשׁוּעַת עוֹלָמִים״.
4. “Fortunate are you, Israel! Who can compare to you?
A people spared (nosh`a) by HASHEM” (Dt.33:29)—
that is, a people whose salvation (yeshu`ato)
is from none other than the Presence! “Israel! Spared for HASHEM with an eternal salvation!” (Is.45:17).
מָגֵן עֶזְרֶךָ, כָּעִנְיָן שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (ש״ב כב ג): ״אֱלֹהֵי צוּרִי אֶחֱסֶה בּוֹ מָגִנִּי וְקֶרֶן יִשְׁעִי״.
“The Shield (magen) of Your help” (Dt.33:29)—
along these lines, it is said:
“My God! My Rock, in Whom I take shelter;
my Shield (megini) and the plenitude of my salvation!” (2Sam.22:3)
וַאֲשֶׁר חֶרֶב גַּאֲוָתֶךָ, אָמַר לוֹ הַקָּדוֹשׁ בָּרוּךְ הוּא: מֹשֶׁה, עָתִיד אֲנִי לִתֵּן לָהֶם לְיִשְׂרָאֵל אוֹתוֹ זַיִן שֶׁנִּטַּל מֵהֶם בְּחוֹרֵב, כָּעִנְיָן שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (שמות לג ו): ״וַיִּתְנַצְּלוּ בְנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל אֶת עֶדְיָם מֵהַר חוֹרֵב״, בִּשְׁבוּעָה נִשְׁבַּעְתִּי וְעָתִיד אֲנִי לְהַחֲזִירוֹ לָהֶם, כָּעִנְיָן שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (ישעיה מט יח) ״חַי אָנִי נְאֻם ה׳ כִּי כֻלָּם כָּעֲדִי תִלְבָּשִׁי וּתְקַשְּׁרִים כַּכַּלָּה״.
“The sword (kherev) of Your triumph” (Dt.33:29)—
The Blessed Holy One said:
Moses!
I am ready to give back to Israel
the very trinkets taken from them at Horeb (khorev)!
And along these lines, it is said:
“So the Israelites divested themselves
of their ornaments from Mount Horeb” (Ex.33:6)—
I imposed an oath upon Myself to return them.
And along these lines, it is said:
“By My Life!
—pronounces HASHEM—
for you will all be decked out in finery, adorning yourself like a bride!” (Is.49:18)
וְיִכָּחֲשׁוּ אוֹיְבֶיךָ לָךְ, בִּשְׁעַת טוֹבָתָם שֶׁל יִשְׂרָאֵל אֻמּוֹת הָעוֹלָם מְכַחֲשִׁים לָהֶם וְעוֹשִׂים אוֹתָם כְּאִלּוּ הֵן אַחִים. וְכֵן עֵשָׂו אָמַר לְיַעֲקֹב (בראשית לג ט): ״יֶשׁ לִי רָב אָחִי יְהִי לְךָ אֲשֶׁר לָךְ״. וְכֵן חִירָם אָמַר לִשְׁלֹמֹה (מ״א ט יג): ״מָה הֶעָרִים הָאֵלֶּה אֲשֶׁר נָתַתָּ לִי אָחִי״.
5. “Your enemies shall fawn before you” (Dt.33:29)—
when times are good for Israel,
the nations of the world
ingratiate themselves to Israel,
and pretend to be brothers.
Thus, did Esau say to Jacob:
“I have plenty, my brother! Let yours be yours!” (Gn.33:9).
And so did Hiram say to Solomon:
“What are these cities which you have given me, my brother?” (1Ki.9:13)127Cf. Pisqa’ 322,2.
וְאַתָּה עַל בָּמוֹתֵימוֹ תִּדְרוֹךְ, כָּעִנְיָן שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (יהושע י כד): ״וַיִּקְרָא יְהוֹשֻׁעַ אֶל כָּל אִישׁ יִשְׂרָאֵל וַיֹּאמֶר אֶל קְצִינֵי אַנְשֵׁי הַמִּלְחָמָה הֶהָלְכוּא אִתּוֹ קִרְבוּ שִׂימוּ אֶת רַגְלֵיכֶם עַל צַוְּארֵי הַמְּלָכִים הָאֵלֶּה״.
“As for you, you shall tread upon their cultic sites” (Dt.33:29)—
for, in similar style, it is said:
“Then Joshua called upon each man of Israel.
And he said to the officers and warriors who accompanied him:
Draw near, and put your feet on the necks of these kings!” (Josh.10:24)