Dear Friends,
With the reading of our Torah portion this week, we come to the end of the Book of Exodus. At the completing of any book of the Torah, it is customary to recite the following Hebrew saying:
Chazak – Chazak – Venitchazeik – “be strong, be strong and let us strengthen each other”.
Why do we say this at the end of each book? Furthermore, what does the completion of the books of Torah have to do with our strength?
The answer to these questions can, in part, be gleaned from how we understand the completion of the chapters of our own lives. Transitions in life can often be challenging. Graduations, getting married, having children, dealing with illness and loss – each of these events represents a point of transition and transformation. Each comes with its own challenges, and each has the potential to lead to personal and spiritual growth. Yet, as we journey through these moments of transition, it is often empowering to share the experience with others.
So too it is with our relationship with the Torah. Like the human soul and like any of the transformational moments we experience throughout our lives, the Torah embodies opportunities for growth and renewal. While Torah can, indeed be studied alone, it is often more meaningful and valuable to do so with others.
And so – when we say the words Chazak Chazak V’nitchazek, we remind ourselves that much of our spiritual, cultural and moral strength unfolds as we engage the Torah as a community.
Chazak – Chazak – Venitchazeik – “be strong, be strong and let us strengthen each other”.
L’Shalom-Steve