This week, in Parashat P’kudei, we read the final words of the book of Exodus. The Mishkan—the sacred, portable sanctuary—is complete, every piece is in place, and God’s presence descends to dwell among the people. It is a moment of fulfillment and, more importantly transition. And, as we close this book on Saturday, we will rise during the Torah service to say the ancient words: Chazak, chazak, v’nitchazek—be strong, be strong, and let us strengthen one another.
This resolute statement reminds us that endings are moments of strength of self and of community. Outside the text, there is change all around. The seasons are shifting and winter is loosening its grip and inviting us to shift our perspectives to look for renewal, even when the ground remains cold beneath our feet.
Soon, we will gather for Passover. We will have the opportunity to tell and re-tell the story of Exodus again—not just the leaving of Egypt, but the becoming of a people. We will clean out what no longer serves, open the doors of our homes and hearts, and ask bold questions about the path forward together. Passover is not only about where we’ve been, but it acknowledges the steps necessary to forge a path forward; Passover is about determining where we are going as individuals, as a community, and perhaps scales larger than that.
So let us take this sacred moment—this turning of Torah, this turning of seasons—as a reminder: the Divine meets us not only in mountaintop moments, but in the slow work of building and beginning again. May we carry strength from what we’ve built, courage for what’s to come, and hope blooming with the first signs of spring.
Chazak, chazak, v’nitchazek. May we continue to be strong and strengthen one another.