Parashat HaShavua - Bechukotai

חזק חזק ונתחזק

Be strong, be strong, and we will be strengthened together. 

This Shabbat, as we conclude the reading of the book of Vayikra, we will proclaim these words. The tradition of concluding books of Tanach with this exclamation is said to originate with a barayta from Masechet Brachot where the rabbis teach:

אַרְבָּעָה צְרִיכִין חִזּוּק, וְאֵלּוּ הֵן: תּוֹרָה, וּמַעֲשִׂים טוֹבִים, תְּפִלָּה, וְדֶרֶךְ אֶרֶץ.

Four categories require strengthening - the study of Torah, performing good deeds, prayer and people’s profession (derech eretz).  

What does צריכין חיזוק (require strengthening) mean? In another context, the Talmud suggests that the word חיזוק implies validation - as in, evidence, proof, corroboration. This would make sense, particularly for two of the categories: Torah and prayer. Perhaps this implies providing evidence for the belief that Torah was given at Sinai or that prayer is strengthened when there is evidence of its efficacy. However, in this context, I think Rashi and Steinzaltz offer more compelling explanations. 

Rashi explains that these four categories (Torah study, prayer, good deeds and vocation) require us to apply all our כח – all our efforts and energy, all our power and resources. In other words, they require a tremendous amount of labor.  I want to note that Rashi uses the verb שיתחזק suggesting that not only are these acts (Torah study, prayer, etc) strengthened by this power, but the person herself is strengthened by the opportunity to learn, pray, act and work. In other words, there is a relationship of reciprocity here. First, the act of learning is strengthened when we devote all our power and resources to the endeavor. Second, we are strengthened through the act of Torah learning. 

Steinzaltz adds an additional and important word to his explanation. Steinzaltz says: שיתמיד בהם האדם ברוב כוח - that a person will be consistent with plenty of koach (power/resources). I draw your attention to Steinsaltz’s use of the word : יתמיד - suggesting that חיזוק (strengthening) is not a one time occurrence - we do not draw strength as we draw water from a well. Rather - our consistent, ongoing, and persistent pursuit is precisely where we derive strength.  

The Talmud provides a quote for each of the four categories to prove the relationship between that category and strength. For the category of prayer, the Talmud quotes for Psalm 27: 

קַוֵּה אֶל ה׳ חֲזַק וְיַאֲמֵץ לִבֶּךָ וְקַוֵּה אֶל ה׳

Hope in God, be strong and courageous and hope in God.

This pasuk suggests that prayer (or hope in God) requires strength and courage. This week we celebrated Teacher Appreciation Week. We salute our faculty who model for and instill within our students a lifelong commitment to learning. This requires not only resilience and curiosity, but also deep love of children and belief that their voices have the power to heal and make tremendous impact. Their voices strengthen and inspire our passion.  

May we always seek to strengthen and be straightened by one another:  חזק חזק ונתחזק

Rabbi Dahlia Kronish
High School Associate Head