Parshas Vayechi: The Torah Imperative

“Zebulun shall dwell at the shore of the sea… Issachar is a large-boned donkey” –Genesis 49:13-14

“ZEBULUN SHALL DWELL AT THE SHORE OF THE SEA: [Meaning:] For Zebulun was engaged in commerce and provided support for the tribe of Issachar who were engaged in the study of Torah. This is what Moses referred to when he said: "Rejoice, Zebulun, in your going out and Issachar, in your tents.” Zebulun goes out to engage in business whereas Issachar remains in their tents studying Torah.

ISSACHAR IS A BONY DONKEY: Issachar is a bony donkey. He carries the yoke of the Torah like a strong donkey loaded with a heavy load.” Rashi ibid

This Shabbos marks the completion of the book of Bereishis, the first of the five books of Moses. As we read the final section of Vayechi, we are privy to the last will and testament of Jacob. Jacob is lying on his deathbed, and he ushers in his children with the hope of relating to them the date when Messiah will arrive. As he opens his mouth, the Divine Presence suddenly leaves him, and he no longer has access to the secret of the end of days. He therefore decides to divulge to each of his children their character traits, and he prophesied for them their tribe’s future. For the two maternal brothers Zebulun and Issachar, Jacob struck an interesting note. He tells Zebulun that his disposition is to support the Torah of Issachar, and he tells Issachar that he is meant to study the Torah and ultimately two hundred Supreme Court justices would flower forth from Issachar.

The Chafetz Chaim notes that the symbiotic relationship between Issachar and Zebulun serves as the ideal model of Jewish living. There are always going to be the Torah scholars and their supporters. Some people are more predisposed to study yet others are more inclined towards the business world. Regardless, one is obligated to ensure the continued vitality of Torah. Rabbi Joseph Karo in his work “The Code of Jewish Law” (Y”D 246), states that somebody who is unable to study Torah, or is too preoccupies by his financial pursuits, is obligated to support Torah study.

The extent of this is mentioned in Jeremiah (33:20) where Jeremiah lets it be known to us that a condition for creation was the upholding of the Torah. Therefore both Issachar and Zebulun are considered the two pillars of creation.

Today we have witnessed an unprecedented growth of young men who have dedicated themselves exclusively to the study of Torah. The Chafetz Chaim (Mishneh Brurah Siman 231 in Biur Halacha) makes the case that although in times past even many Torah scholars were simultaneously engaged in making a livelihood, already in the Chafetz Chaim’s times (over 100 years ago) it was impossible to achieve the level of Torah scholarship which had been reached in previous generations without the exclusive focus on Torah studies.

Additionally, throughout the biblical years, the tribes of Issachar and Levi were dedicated exclusively to Torah study. That meant that nearly 1/6th of the Jewish people were studying Torah fulltime. Let even begin attempting to reach such numbers today! The greatest revenge on our enemies is the unparalleled study of Torah which we witness today. We can all be a part of it; Either by devoting ourselves to the study of Torah, or by supporting the endeavor. Regardless, we are all obligated to set aside time to the daily study of Torah.

Some engaged in apologetics attempt to explain the Kollel movement as being similar to a think tank or to professors involved in a research project. The difference couldn’t be more apparent. Those valiant Torah scholars who sacrifice themselves to ensure the upholding of the world are our greatest asset. Let’s join them, if not physically, then financially.

May we all merit having the Torah as our personal Tree of Life both through our study of Torah and our support of Torah!