DVAR TORAH In this week's parsha, Yaakov blesses Yosef's children with the words, "By you shall Israel bless saying, 'May G-d make you like Ephraim and like Menashe'" [Bereshit 48:20]. These words form the basis of the blessing parents give to their children (for girls, referencing Sarah, Rivkah, Rachel, and Leah instead of Ephraim and Menashe) [Orech Chaim 371:1].
There have been many attempts to explain why it is that of all the great personalities from the Torah and all the illustrious personages of Jewish history, Ephraim and Menashe, who were chosen to be the eternal role models for Jewish children. Why not Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov? Why not Moshe and Aharon?
Some have suggested that the reason is that Ephraim and Menashe were the first brothers at peace with one another. Others have said that it was because these men were the first Jews to be raised in a Diaspora and remain faithful to G-d. However, Rav Yaakov Weinberg, zt"l said that Ephraim and Menashe were the exemplars of children who succeeded beyond their parent's dreams - achieving a status equal to that of the twelve children of Yaakov.
All of which means that when a parent uses Ephraim and Menashe's names in the bracha for a child – it is as if the parent is saying, "May G-d help you exceed your potential beyond anyone's wildest expectations." 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 similar to 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.
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MAZAL TOV * to Mrs. Bernice Novick on the birth of a great-granddaughter. Proud parents are Shlomo and Daniella Rush (Israel). * to Moshe and Doreen Mermelstein on the birth of a grandson. REFUAH SHLAIMA * to Rachel Silverman who is recuperating at home.
SPONSORS @ KINS To sponsor a Kiddush, donate to the Kiddush Fund or Learning Fund please click here.
Kiddush at KINS Main is sponsored by Rabbi Tzvi Yaakov and Rifka Miretzky and family in commemoration of the yahrtzeit of Rifka’s brother, Gershon ben Yaakov Tzvi z’l.
Kiddush at KINS North is sponsored by Mr. Eric Rothner in commemoration of the 15th yahrtzeit of his mother, Mrs. Shirley Rothner, z"l.
KINS North Seudah Shlishit is sponsored by the Silverman Family in commemoration of the 2nd yahrtzeit of their husband, father and grandfather, Jerry Silverman z’l.
A Donation to the Kiddush Fund was made by Ellen Simenovsky in commemoration of the yahrtzeit of her father, Michael Simenovsky z’l.
The Day of Learning, the 20th of Tevet, Thursday evening January 12th and Friday January 13th, is sponsored by the Silverman Family in commemoration of the 2nd yahrtzeit of their husband, father and grandfather, Jerry Silverman z’l.
The Parent/Child Learning this week is sponsored by Ari and Leah Lebowicz.
ANNIVERSARIES Sheldon and Miriam Aberman (1/9)
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
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