HALACHA OF THE WEEK: Chazak Chazak v’Nitchazek This Shabbat we will once again complete the Chumash of Breishit and recite the words "chazak, chazak, v'nitchazek" ["Let us be strong, let us be strong and let us strengthen others as well"] following the final words of the laining [Levush Orech Chaim 669].
Originally the custom was to say this phrase after each aliya and not merely after completing a Chumash. (This is like the salutation used by Sefardim following an aliya of "chazak u'baruch" [Rema Orech Chaim 139:11].) However, Ashkenazi custom has changed, and we say instead "yasher ko'ach." (There is a theory that suggests the reason for this salutation is that originally Ashkenazi Torahs were read while held vertically in place. Therefore, the one who received the aliyah had to be strong enough to hold it up - thus the blessing "may your strength be firm.")
The Aruch HaShulchan [Orech Chaim 139:15] believes that upon completion of a book of the Torah, one should say the word "chazak" three times. This opinion is based on the fact that the sum of the gematria of these three words is the same as the name "Moshe." There is also a view that the proper wording is actually "chazak v'nitchazak" based on the verse in Sefer Shmuel [Shmuel II 10:12]. There is even an intriguing theory that the custom to say "chazak, chazak, v'nitchazek" is the result of a printer's error. It may just be that an acronym (in the form of the letters chet-zayin-kuf) for the words "chazzan v'kahal" which used to be printed in Chumashim to remind the reader and congregation to say "chazak v'nitchazek" was misunderstood and came to be printed as "chazak, chazak, v'nitchazek"
The "chazak" is recited by everyone present, excluding the one who received the concluding aliya, because it is considered an interruption ["hefsek"] between the Torah reading and the concluding bracha.
DVAR TORAH There is a fascinating scene in this week's parsha, when Yosef brings his two sons to Yaakov for a bracha.
At first, Yaakov hesitates and asks "mi eileh" - who are they? Which seems to be a strange question given that by that point in the story, Yaakov had lived in Egypt for nearly 17 years. And yet, many suggest that what Yaakov was really asking is "to who are these [two young men]," to they belong to the mesorah of Avraham Avinu, or are they assimilated into the culture of Egypt?
Yosef answers that "banai hem" - they are my sons, which means that they are the former, proud bearers of the traditions of Avraham.
At which point Yaakov blesses them not only with the famous words of "hamalach hagoel," but also with an unusual statement - that your two sons who were born in the land of Egypt, before I came to Egypt are mine."
But shouldn't the opposite be true — that those children born when Yaakov was present should be "his" and those raised before he came to Egypt should not be "his"?
The answer explained HaRav Moshe Feinstein, ztz"l is the Jewish education transcends the walls of the home or the classroom. And therefore, the greatest testament to Yaakov's mesorah is that his two grandchildren that were raised without ever meeting him, were living by his values - they are "his" because they show how effective he was at educating his children.
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MAZAL TOV * to Howard and Ilana Karesh on the Auf Ruf and upcoming marriage of their son, Ari to Audrey Fretzin, daughter of Scott & Robbie Fretzin. Mazal Tov to grandparents Adele Feldman, Dr. Stephen & Cheryl Karesh, Dr. David Fretzin & Jordan and Judith Peiper. * to David & Yael Shiner on the Auf Ruf of their son Jacob and upcoming marriage to Ronnie Bruckenstein, daughter of Dr. Ronnie & Rachel Bruckenstein. Mazal Tov to grandparents, Kalman & Ethel Shiner, Mrs. Lilian Dayan, and Rabbi Abraham Bruckenstein. * to Esther Cardash on the birth of great grandson, Yehuda. The proud parents are Chaya Bracha & Avi Kaufman (Lakewood.) *to Jules and Aliza Levinson on the birth of a son. To help with meals, please click here REFUAH SHLAIMA * to Etai Rimel – Etai Yaakov ben Tzipporah, who is recovering in rehab.
SPONSORS @ KINS To sponsor a Kiddush, donate to the Kiddush Fund or Learning Fund please click here.
KINS Main Kiddush is sponsored by Howard and Ilana Karesh in honor of the Auf Ruf and the upcoming marriage of their son, Ari.
KINS North Kiddush is sponsored by David and Yael Shiner in honor of the Auf Ruf of their son Jacob.
Seudat Shlishit at both Main and KINS North is sponsored by the Silverman Family in commemoration of the 1st yahrtzeit of their husband, father & grandfather, Dr. Jerry Silverman z’l.
Father-Son Learning this week is sponsored by Richard and Dovi Silverman in commemoration of the 1st yahrtzeit of their father & grandfather, Dr. Jerry Silverman z’l.
BIRTHDAYS Mr. Neil Harris (12/19) Nava Weil (12/20) Mrs. Neena Holley (12/21) Naftali Neikrug (12/21) Leah Jacobs (12/23) Shuli Stopek (12/23) Mendy Landsman (12/24)
ANNIVERSARIES David and Yael Shiner (12/18) Daniel and Ronit Peikes (12/20) Levi and Lani Kahn (12/21) Jack and Annette Saltzman (12/23) Sam and Tirza Kahan (12/24) Lev and Orah Katz (12/24) Rabbi Kenny & Shelley Zisook (12/24)
Congregation K.I.N.S. of West Rogers Park Main: 2800 W. North Shore Ave & North: 3003 West Touhy • Chicago, IL 60645 P 773.761.4000 • F 773.761.4959 • www.congkins.org
SEMICHAT CHAVER PROGRAM, Wednesday 8:15p
TALMUD CLASS – Shabbat, 45 minutes before mincha
