When we chant the last verses from a book of Torah, we declare emphatically, "Hazak, Hazak, v'Nit'hazek; be strong, be strong and let us be strengthened."  The custom of this declaration began in Germany in the 19^th century and remains a traditional feature in most synagogues today.  Yesterday at the end of Torah study, we shared these words around our table to mark the conclusion of the Book of Leviticus.

Tonight, when our Confirmands conclude their chanting of the Torah, we will not, in fact, declare these words.  Why?  Because we will not be chanting verses from the traditional weekly portion. Instead, as is our custom for Confirmation, we chant the Ten Commandments rather than the weekly portion.  The Ten Commandments link Confirmation to Shavuot (which falls on May 30-31 this year), the Festival that celebrates the receiving of Torah on Mount Sinai.

"Hazak, Hazak, v'Nithazek; be strong, be strong and let us be strengthened" Even though these words will not be part of the Torah service, they do express my feelings as I enter into Shabbat and prepare to celebrate with our Confirmands tonight.

The sentiment behind these words is fairly simple.  It is a way of saying, "more power to you."  Some communities would declare "Hazak!" after each Aliyah to the Torah, recognizing the hard work needed to prepare and chant Torah publicly.

Saying, "Hazak, Hazak, v'Nithazek; be strong, be strong and let us be strengthened" seems appropriate for our Confirmands.  They have strengthened themselves through their study of Torah, text and tradition over the past year in particular and over the many years of their Torah school studies in general.  They have strengthened one another through their mutual support of one another inside and outside of class.  They have remained strong and mighty as a small yet dedicated class who fulfilled the pledge to continue with their studies that they made when becoming bar or bat mitzvah that many of their prior classmates did not.  Their presence strengthens us, their teachers, parents, family members and community who take pride in their great achievements.

Rabbi Jeffrey Tigay says it nicely in his brief essay that concludes the Etz Hayim Torah commentary.  He writes:  "May you and we persist, study, read and complete all the other books [of the Torah] drawing strength from the Torah."  (Etz Hayim Commentary, page, 1505).  I would add the following: Once we complete the entire Torah, we return again to the beginning. I hope and pray that our Confirmands see this moment as a time to take a breath before engaging again with regular and deeper study of our text, tradition and values that will guide and inspire their lives.

Please join us tonight at 7:30 as we celebrate Confirmation and wish Mazal Tov to Adam, Alissa and Eden.