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We have now reached the final Torah portion in the entire book of Exodus, Parashat Pekudei. The last sentence of this second book of the Torah states the following in chapter 40, verse 38.
"For the cloud of God would be on the Tabernacle by day, and fire would be upon it at night, before the eyes of all of the house of Israel throughout their journeys." So ends the epic story of the book of Exodus, with this comforting declaration that God will always be with us.
Traditionally, immediately after reading the final verse of each one of the five books of the Torah during services in the synagogue, the reader and the congregation enthusiastically declare, "Chazak! Chazak! V'nitchazek! (Be strong! Be strong! And may we be strengthened!)"
The Torah is a great source of strength for all of us, the Jewish people. It inspires us, motivates us, and shows us the way. The completion of the reading of each of the five books should be an occasion of joy and celebration. Our strength comes from this place of joy. Fear and anxiety do not lead to strength and conviction.
When we are confronted with challenges in our lives, both personal and communal, we can look to the Torah and our Jewish tradition to find strength, stability, and comfort.
Today, the obstacles facing Israel and the Jewish people are particularly acute. We mourn over the massacre of October 7th and the loss of all innocent life. We bear witness to the terrible antisemitism which seems to be sprouting up across all corners of the earth. Indeed, we are living in times of extreme tragedy and fear.
Still, we must remember that the Torah is always here with us, and always here for us, no matter what challenges and sorrow we are facing.
May the Torah and its lights of joy always be a great source of strength for each and every one of us.
Shabbat Shalom!
Cantor Zachary Konigsberg
cantorzkonigsberg@gmail.com
917-696-0749
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