When some Jewish communities finish reciting a book of Torah, the congregation recites the words “chazak chazak v'nitchazek,” which translate to “be strong, be strong, and we will be made strong.” This weekend, when we finish the book of Leviticus, may these words cause a tide to turn.
This phrase resonates with a line from Mishna Pirkei Avot where it is written: a mitzvah encourages another mitzvah, and a transgression encourages another transgression.
Every life is sacred. In fact, our tradition holds that every life is akin to an entire world. That saving a life is saving a world. That life is precious. That destroying life leads to destroying life. Let us condemn all killing.
As we go into shabbat, may we be strong. May we summon our own strength to encourage and bring about the strength of others. Following a week that has brought about the destruction of life of so many, from DC to Gaza, may we be strengthened in our resolve that life is sacred. That our choices and actions encourage and affect the choices and actions of others. Let us turn the tide. May our victories in protecting, defending, honoring, and holding the sanctity of life cascade.
Shabbat shalom,
R’ David
PS – to honor the sanctity of life, this memorial project has been established to honor Hayim Katsman z"l that I encourage you to check out here.
This phrase resonates with a line from Mishna Pirkei Avot where it is written: a mitzvah encourages another mitzvah, and a transgression encourages another transgression.
Every life is sacred. In fact, our tradition holds that every life is akin to an entire world. That saving a life is saving a world. That life is precious. That destroying life leads to destroying life. Let us condemn all killing.
As we go into shabbat, may we be strong. May we summon our own strength to encourage and bring about the strength of others. Following a week that has brought about the destruction of life of so many, from DC to Gaza, may we be strengthened in our resolve that life is sacred. That our choices and actions encourage and affect the choices and actions of others. Let us turn the tide. May our victories in protecting, defending, honoring, and holding the sanctity of life cascade.
Shabbat shalom,
R’ David
PS – to honor the sanctity of life, this memorial project has been established to honor Hayim Katsman z"l that I encourage you to check out here.
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