Torah Portion Summary
The fifty-fourth and last reading from the Torah begins with the words Vezot ha'Bracha, which means "and this is the blessing." These are the first words of Deuteronomy 33:1. This Torah portion is ordinarily read on the day of Simchat Torah ("Rejoicing of the Torah") in conjunction with the beginning of the book of Genesis to mark the conclusion of one year's Torah cycle and the beginning of the next. The portion contains Moses' final blessings over the twelve tribes, his ascent up Mount Nebo to overlook the land of Canaan, and his death and burial.
Haftarah Portion Summary
The Haftarah for V'zot HaBerakhah records the start of Joshua's leadership as Moses' direct successor. Here the LORD directly commissioned him and instructed him to "be strong and of good courage" (chazak ve'ematz) no less than three times. The LORD ended his commission with these words:
This Book of the Law (sefer haTorah hazeh) shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous (chazak ve'ematz). Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:8-9)
B'rit Chadashah Portion Summary
The reading from the last chapter of the Brit Chadashah provides a vision of "heavenly Jerusalem" and the River of the Water of Life that flows through the city from the very throne of God and of the Lamb. "Paradise lost" is restored by the love and grace of the LORD God of Israel.
| Torah Portion | Haftarah Portion(s) | B'rit Chadashah Portion(s) |
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Deuteronomy 33.1-34.12
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Joshua 1.1-18
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Acts 1.1-14
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Revelation 22.1-5
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