Finding Strength in Times of Transition
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.