This Shabbat, as we read Parashat Vayechi and conclude the Book of Genesis, we stand at a unique moment in time. The final verses of Bereishit will be followed by our traditional declaration: Chazak, chazak v'nitchazek (“Be strong, be strong, and we will be strengthened”). This declaration takes place only a few days after we close the secular year 2025 and step into 2026. Two endings. Two beginnings. One eternal message.
Our sages teach us through a timeless parable: A traveler reaches the final page of a cherished book and hesitates before closing it, reluctant to leave its familiar stories behind. But the wise teacher reminds him, “The book does not end when you close its covers. The strength of its words lives within you, preparing you for the next volume. Each conclusion is merely an intermission, gathering force for what follows.”
So too with our year now ending. We celebrated extraordinary milestones as a Federation family, raising over $300,000 for Israel's rebuild and resilience efforts following the 10-7 War, expanding our organizational structure to better serve our community, and establishing a full-time Jewish Community Relations Council to strengthen bonds with elected officials, interfaith partners, and our local schools. We significantly grew our endowments and planned gifts, planting seeds that will nourish Jewish life for generations yet unborn.
Yet 2025 also brought profound pain. We continue to pray for Ran Gvili, the last captured soul still held in Gaza to be returned home. We witnessed the disturbing rise of anti-Semitism and redoubled our commitment to ensuring the safety of our community. We said goodbye to beloved family members, community leaders, and dear friends, even as we welcomed new births and celebrated growing families. These contrasts, joy and sorrow, growth and loss, triumph and challenge, mark the fullness of Jewish life.
As we enter 2026, we face greater opportunities, weightier responsibilities, and more complex challenges. But we enter them as we always have: together, strengthened by one another. Our tradition teaches us that "chazak, chazak v'nitchazek" is not recited alone but in community, our voices joining to create something stronger than any individual could achieve.
Like the words of Hatikvah, our national anthem of hope, we carry forward an unbreakable truth: the Jewish people have survived darker nights than these, though these may be the darkest in our lifetime. We have outlasted those who were stronger, wealthier, and greater in number. How? Through hope. Through community. Through the sacred work of building relationships and refusing to stand alone.
As we close the book on 2025 and open the fresh pages of 2026, may we go from strength to strength, knowing that when we come together, we have always overcome. Chazak, chazak v'nitchazek. Because we are Stronger Together!
Shabbat Shalom, and Happy New Year!
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