By Rabbi Sharyn Henry
May 18, 2012
26 Iyar, 5772
This week we complete the reading of Vayikra, Leviticus. In Ashkenazi congregations there is ritual that takes place each time we complete the public reading of a book of Torah. After the Torah reader reads the last words of a book in the Torah, before the recitation of the final blessing of the person doing the aliyah, the entire congregation, followed by the reader, recites aloud, “Chazak, chazak v’nitchazek—Be strong! Be strong! And may we be strengthened.”
We have to imagine that the rabbis who originated this tradition had a reason for it, although the closest thing to an explanation I have found is a source. There is a strong link between this phrase and the words spoken to Joshua and to the community by Moses on the last day of his life. Twice on that day Moses charged Joshua in front of all Israel, “Chazak v’emematz—Be strong and courageous” (Dt. 31: 7 and 23). As the mantle of leadership was passed from Moses to Joshua, the people were likely to have felt vulnerable at a moment of so much change. It was a time when the rules weren’t necessarily clear and there was uncertainty about what the future would bring. Moses’ words brought comfort and support to a fearful people.
The white space at the end of one book of Torah and the beginning of another is a moment of transition. By reciting the words, Chazak—be strong, we remind ourselves that Torah is always with us. In times of transition, especially, Torah and Jewish tradition gives us strength. The last phrase of the formula, “v’nitchazek—may we be strengthened” is of critical importance. We are important sources of strength for one another in times of uncertainty and transition.
The tagline of the Women of Reform Judaism is “stronger together.” These words, an echo of the charge of Moses to Joshua, is much more than a tagline; we are stronger together. As we move from one book of Torah to another, as we move into and out of spaces of uncertainty and transition in our public and private lives, may we encourage one another and build upon the strengths, visions, and dreams of one another. Chazak, chazak, v’nitchazek. May we be strong and may we strengthen one another.
Rabbi Sharyn Henry serves at Rodeph Shalom in Pittsburgh, PA
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