“Chazak, chazak, v’nitchazek – Be strong, hold fast, and let us strengthen one another.”
This meaningful Hebrew phrase seems as if it were written for the challenging times we are currently facing. Whether it is antisemitism on our university campuses and in our city councils, or the war in Israel. It could be written to help us with personal challenges: a loss of a loved one, or an illness, or some other kind of struggle. We can find our inner strength, our capacity for resilience uplifted, when we are embraced by an understanding and compassionate community who accompanies us on our journey to healing and wholeness. The operative word in the phrase is “nitchazek” – let us strengthen one another. We are not expected to walk the path of life alone, to face hurdles, difficult times, as well as joyous occasions, on our own. We are truly dependent on community.
This phrase has its origins in the study of Torah. Sometime in Talmudic times (exact origin is uncertain) it became traditional to chant “chazak, chazak, v’nitchazek” when the community finished reading each book of the Torah during the yearly cycle. Perhaps the idea is derived from the notion that typically, we are to study Torah with a partner in chevruta, in "fellowship." The Talmud helps us to understand how we “strengthen one another” with this story: “As fire does not burn well when isolated, so will the word of Torah not be preserved when studied by oneself.” (B. Talmud, Taanit 7a). Yes, we can study by ourselves, however, when we study with others, we learn dimensions of Torah that would otherwise elude us. The meaning that Torah has for each of us is enhanced and enriched when we realize we gain much more when we study with a community.
Why am I sharing this now? This week, we finish reading the third book of the Torah, Vayikra, the Book of Leviticus. The final verse is chanted with a special melody. After it is completed, the entire congregation rises and chants: “chazak, chazak, v’nitchazek – be strong, be resolute, and let us strengthen one another.” Leviticus, with its emphasis on laws, ritual observance, and adherence to a code and standard of behavior, prepares us to live lives of connection with God, and community. It also prepares us to live lives of intention, purpose and meaning.
As we begin Shabbat this evening, and finish reading Vayikra tomorrow morning, the phrase "chazak, chazak, v'nitchazek" reminds us that one of the key components of Jewish community is to support and strengthen each other on our journey through all of life’s vicissitudes. When we engage with others, we are given an opportunity to appreciate our own strengths and gifts, because we can see how others' strengths, experiences, and contributions complement our own. "Chazak, chazak, v'nitchazek – Be strong, hold fast, let us strengthen one another."
Dan Nichols Song - Chazak
Reminder: Next Friday, June 7th, we begin our summer schedule for our weekly 6:00 pm outdoor Erev Shabbat Services.
