Yesterday Jews around the world finished the fourth book of the Torah, Bamidbar, known in English as Numbers in which the Israelites continued their travel through the desert on the way to Israel. As Etz Hayim chumash notes, “it can be seen as the conclusion of the Torah narrative.” (954). At the end of the reading, it is customary for Ashkenazim to say “chazak chazak v’nitchazzek”. The expression coming from words of encouragement by King David’s general Joab before battle in Samuel 2 means “be strong, be strong and let us summon our strength”.
This phrase (though a shorter version – cutting out a chazak) was first clearly used in more modern times in 19th century Germany. It was said to the person who had the last aliyah of each book. It had a similar in purpose to the congregational exclamation we now do, but more individual in recitation. It is an older version of the greeting said after each aliyah, “hazak u’varuch” in Sephardic synagogues and “yishar kohakha” in Ashkenazi. From a military pep talk to the predecessor of a modern congratulation, its use has evolved.
Now what does it mean? In short, it is praise to the Torah reader saying “More power to you!” Etz Hayim elaborates on two interpretations suggesting, “Because reading the Torah is a form of learning, some interpret the exclamation as encouragement to persist in the learning the Torah. Others understand it as encouraging and wishing strength for the Torah reader because serious learning of the Torah – including accurately preparing the pubic reading with all of its vocalization, punctuation, and cantillation – can be exhausting.” Having read Torah myself on occasion, I know the feeling. It definitely takes practice! It’s a welcome feeling to know with a handshake and hearty “yishar kohekh” that my work was appreciated.
Likewise, just as I feel happy completing a Torah reading, the congregation wants to join in on the happiness. By saying “chazak chazak v’nitchazzek” congregationally at the conclusion of a book, and the very addition of the word “v’nitchazzek” does so. As Etz Hayim explains, “The phrase ‘v’nitchazzek,’ ‘let us summon our strength’ or ‘let us be strengthened’ was subsequently added (on the basis of 2 Sam. 10:12) because the entire congregation had completed the book along with the reader and wished to include itself in these wishes.”
Celebrating and wishing blessing for the completion of the book reminds me of something my grandpa said last year. Judaism, with all of the holidays, Shabbatot and markings of time reminds us throughout the year of life’s moments small and big. There is always something to look forward to. And I like that. We should take this marker, and take note of the hard work we’ve done and move forward with strength.
Lieber, David L, and Jules Harlow. Etz Hayim: Torah and Commentary. Philadelphia: Jewish Publication Society, 2001. Print.
