Rabbi Diana's Weekly Message

Dear Chevre,

This Shabbat we conclude Breishit, Genesis with the reading of Parashat Vayechi. As each book of the Torah is completed,  we say Chazak, chazak, v’nitchazek, “Be strong, be strong and let us strengthen each other!”

It can feel hard to be strong when we are worried about Omicron and Delta, when we are worried about our kids and their physical and mental well-being. It is hard to feel strong when we worry about our own health. Some us or our loved ones are battling diseases; some of us are experiencing depression and anxiety. It’s challenging to feel strong in the face of the divisions in our country and sometimes in our homes.

Where do we find strength? Many of us find it in text study, or coming to services, or doing mitzvot and engaging in social justice movements. Some of us may find solitary pursuits strengthening. Yet all of us, some of the time, need each other.

Chazak means to be strong, to be resolute, to have courage. Sometimes we cannot do this without the final part of this statement:

V’nitchazek –let us strengthen one another.

It’s not always easy to reach out for help when we need it but we really can strengthen each other. This is what it means to be part of a community. We show up for each other when we are mourning, when we are sick, when we are down. And of course, we show up for each other to celebrate simchas as well!

Recently we completed our Chanukah Drive, inspired by Steven and Ricki Fisher’s generous donation and initiative. We raised $17,534, which we sent out to Delaware Valley Food Pantry, Fisherman's Mark and Norwescap to strengthen our community. In so doing, we also strenghthened our resolve to live as a Jewish community with values of tzedek [justice] and chesed [lovingkindness], engaging in the mitzvah of ma’akhal revi’im [feeding the hungry.]

Let us have the courage to reach out for help when we need it, and continue to help strengthen each other as a community. Be strong, be strong and let us strengthen each other!

I look forward to seeing you this evening when Lesley and I co-lead Shabbat services in person and on-line at:

Kabbalat Shabbat

Shabbat shalom,

Rabbi Diana