Dear TBZ Community,
This week, we conclude the Book of Exodus. There is a tradition of reciting the words “Hazak, hazak, v’nit’hazek” (“Be strong, be strong, and may we be strengthened”) when we finish reading a book of the Torah. As we end the second book of Torah, we remind ourselves that Torah is a source of strength in our lives.
In Exodus 40:34-38, we read of the final consecration of the Mishkan, the Tabernacle, and the visible presence of God descending upon it. A transformative moment in the life of the Israelite community:
וַיְכַס הֶעָנָן אֶת־אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד וּכְבוֹד הֹ’ מָלֵא אֶת־הַמִּשְׁכָּן
The cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the Presence of God filled the Tabernacle.
וְלֹא־יָכֹל מֹשֶׁה לָבוֹא אֶל־אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד כִּי־שָׁכַן עָלָיו הֶעָנָן וּכְבוֹד הֹ’ מָלֵא אֶת־הַמִּשְׁכָּן
Moses could not enter the Tent of Meeting, because the cloud had settled upon it and the Presence of God filled the Tabernacle.
וּבְהֵעָלוֹת הֶעָנָן מֵעַל הַמִּשְׁכָּן יִסְעוּ בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל בְּכֹל מַסְעֵיהֶם
When the cloud lifted from the Tabernacle, the Israelites would set out, on their various journeys;
וְאִם־לֹא יֵעָלֶה הֶעָנָן וְלֹא יִסְעוּ עַד־יוֹם הֵעָלֹתוֹ
but if the cloud did not lift, they would not set out until such time as it did lift.
כִּי עֲנַן הֹ’ עַל־הַמִּשְׁכָּן יוֹמָם וְאֵשׁ תִּהְיֶה לַיְלָה בּוֹ לְעֵינֵי כָל־בֵּית־יִשְׂרָאֵל בְּכל־מַסְעֵיהֶם
For over the Tabernacle a cloud of God rested by day, and fire would appear in it by night, in the view of all the house of Israel throughout their journeys.
A cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of God filled the Tabernacle. This moment marks the culmination of the Israelites’ hard work in building the Mishkan and also signals God’s ongoing presence in the community and in their journey.
The Mishkan was commanded by God to the people of Israel, but it was through the generosity and participation of the people that the Mishkan became the place for the Divine presence to dwell. In Exodus 35:5, the Israelites are asked to bring contributions(gold, silver, copper, fabrics, and more) and the Torah emphasizes that the people’s hearts were moved to give. It was their participation, their generous response, their willingness to create something holy with their own hands, that made the Mishkan a sacred space. This reminder of generosity and collective effort was perhaps a sign that they were ready to be in relationship with God.
God’s presence filled the Mishkan and Moses had to wait to be called to enter that holy space. When the cloud lifted, the Israelites knew it was time to travel. They would set out on their journey, following the cloud by day and the fire by night.
The cloud and fire were not just symbols of God’s presence, but also markers of direction and purpose for the people. The Israelites did not move unless the cloud lifted — and they did not settle unless the cloud settled. This Divine guidance was not hidden from them. It was visible to all, clearly marking the way forward, day and night. The visible, ever-present cloud and fire became a guide, a constant reminder that God was with them and that they were never alone on their journey. “Hazak, hazak, v’nit’hazek.”
This is a powerful image, especially in the context of the Israelites’ experience in Sinai and other moments in their journey when they felt distant from God. Humans have an inherent need to see and be seen. The Israelites felt abandoned when they could not see or experience God, and they also felt abandoned when they could not be seen by God. To see and be seen, to be visible, is to be in relationship.
This week we observe Trans Day of Visibility. Each year on March 31, Trans Day of Visibility is an opportunity to see, celebrate, and honor trans people for who they truly are. We see you. We are reminded that the political and social struggles faced by trans people continue, and their visibility often comes with the risk of harm, rejection, and discrimination. Visibility is both powerful and fraught with responsibility. In this moment of increasing anti-trans rhetoric and legislation, we must hold and practice the idea that to be seen, to be visible for who we are, and to see other human beings for who they are, is how we honor God’s creation and God’s presence in this world. “Hazak, hazak, v’nit’hazek.”
The visible presence of God in the Mishkan showed the Israelites the way to live in relationship with the Divine and with each other. Likewise, our commitment to visibility, to acknowledging and affirming each person’s identity, is how we make the sacred visible in our world.
Just as the Mishkan was the result of the people’s generosity and active participation, we must actively, each and every one of us, contribute to creating spaces of visibility. The Mishkan was not simply a structure; it was a communal act of faith, and its sanctity came from the collective efforts of all. Perhaps this Shabbat we can understand this as a call to contribute to the work of affirming and celebrating each person’s identity, especially those who have historically been marginalized or erased. “Hazak, hazak, v’nit’hazek.”
On this Trans Day of Visibility, let us strive to be clear and intentional in our support for trans people, standing with them and creating spaces where their identities are not just tolerated but celebrated.
TBZ is proud to be part of Thrive: The Jewish Coalition to Defend Trans and LGBTQ+ Youth. Increasingly, laws are being proposed that hurt trans and LGBTQ+ young people and our families. Keshet and SOJOURN have gathered Jewish organizations to send a clear message: We must love, protect, and fight for trans and LGBTQ+ youth and all LGBTQ+ people. “Hazak, hazak, v’nit’hazek.”
The cloud and fire led the Israelites on their journey, a reminder of Divine presence in our lives, at all times. Each human is a vessel of the Divine, each and everyone… In our lives, God does not manifest as cloud or fire, but it does in every human being. And in every interaction with every human we have an opportunity to see God’s presence.
“Hazak, hazak, v’nit’hazek.”
May this Shabbat bring us peace, strength, and clarity, as we find the courage to forgive, heal, and move forward together, knowing we do not walk this journey alone, and that God’s presence is in every one of us.
May God grant blessings and comfort to all of us and our loved ones. May we discover strength, courage, and patience, and may our hearts be open to generosity.
May those who are ill find healing.
May all the remaining hostages soon return to their families and friends. May peace prevail, and may our leaders prioritize life.
May those working for peace be granted the strength and courage to continue their sacred work, and may we soon witness peace and dignity for all.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rav Claudia