It’s not just the thought that counts

The Torah Portion of Pekudei (Accounts) lists the items and materials used to make the Tabernacle (Mishkan), the vessels and even the clothes worn by the Cohanim. Pekudei also concludes the second book of the Torah, Shmos.

Superficially, listing the items of the Mishkan and concluding the Book of Shmos do not seem to relate to our lives, much less the lives of Jews in Israel and around the world. However, a closer look reveals very relevant connections — connections that overflow with confidence and positivity.

For example, whenever we conclude a book of Torah, the entire congregation recites words of encouragement. Ashkenazi communities call out, “Chazak, chazak, v’nischazek” (“Be strong, be strong, and let us continue to be strong in the future”).

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Many Sephardic communities call out “Chazak ve’ematz” (“Be strong and resolute”), and also call out “Chazak ubaruch” (“Be strong and blessed”) to one who gets an aliya.

Other communities call out chazak three times whenever a book is concluded.

What exactly does chazak mean?

The Hebrew word chazak has many definitions. It typically translates as strength. It can mean to bolster, fortify or intensify. It is related to courage, boldness and steadfastness. It can mean to prevail and conquer. It also implies encouragement and support.

Everyone in the congregation calls out chazak after concluding a book of the Torah. This expression provides encouragement and blessing to the individual and the entire congregation, regardless of their individual status in the community.

Interestingly, each of the different expressions of chazak is linked to a different source in the Torah. For example, the numeric value of the Hebrew word chazak is 115. Repeating the word three times adds up to the numeric value of Moshe (345).

The Book of Joshua (Yehoshua 1:8) states, “This Torah shall not leave your mouth.” The word “this” implies that Yehoshua was holding a Torah that he had completed. In response, Hashem told him “Chazak ve’ematz!” (“May you continue to be strong and resolute!”).

The Ashkenazi custom of “Chazak, chazak, v’nischazek” alludes to a verse in Ecclesiastes (Koheles 4:12) which notes that “A threefold cord is not easily broken.” In other words, repeating “strength” along with its variation (v’nischazek) provides support for the future.

Hashem’s unwavering support for the individual and the entire community is also found in the Portion of Pekudei. Every material listed, whether it be gold, silver, copper, precious stones, colored linen or wool thread represented the soul of the person who donated it. Similarly, every part of the Mishkan, including the boards, the curtains, the holy ark, menorah, incense altar, down to the pans, flesh hooks and other utensils, also reflected one soul of B’nai Yisroel. The lessons parallel those of chazak. Every person is important, suitable and necessary to complete the mission of building a dwelling for Hashem. So, too, if one soul or one item was missing, the Mishkan was incomplete.

A midrash (Shmos Rabah 51:5) dramatizes just how important each person is to Hashem. It relates that when Moses gave his account of all the donations, 1775 shekels of silver were missing. Moshe couldn’t recall how the silver was used. As a result, he feared that the skeptics would think that he had misappropriated the silver, God-forbid. A Heavenly voice announced that silver was used to form hooks that kept the outer curtains in place. When he included their weight/value, the tally was perfect.

Physically, these hooks bent away from the Mishkan so that they could hold the curtains. On a symbolic level, it was almost as if their backs were turned to the Holy of Holies.

According to Rabbi Moshe Wolfson, of blessed memory, the Rav of Congregation Emunas Yisroel in Boro Park, the hooks represented Jews who, for whatever reason, resided at the edge of the Camp of Israel. Since they were not actively involved in the camp, Moshe was not able to “see” them. A Heavenly voice prompted Moshe to include them.

In Rabbi Wolfson’s view, Moshe did not “see” those outside Camp of Israel because the job of gathering them rests with Moshiach.

The growth of Torah institutions like Yeshiva shows that the ingathering process is gaining momentum. Soon, this effort will be completed.

How soon? The answer depends on you. Every positive thought, every positive expression, every positive deed brings us closer to the end of the exile and the beginning of Geula, the Final Redemption. At this point, what is there to say, other than Chazak, chazak, v’nischazek! PJC

Rabbi Yossi Rosenblum is head of school of Yeshiva Schools of Pittsburgh and rabbi of Congregation Kesser Torah. This column is a service of the Vaad Harabonim of Greater Pittsburgh.