Shana Tova to everyone! I hope you all had a wonderful Rosh Hashana
and are looking forward to the New Year! This Dvar Torah is actually
for the upcoming parsha, HaAzinu. It is the second to last parsha in
the book of Deuteronomy, which means we are getting close the very end
of the Torah. This Parsha comes right after Rosh Hashana. Though I am
not sure if it intended to come right after Rosh Hashana, I found an
immediate connection between the two. HaAzinu consists of a
presentation of poems recited by Moses right before he dies. These
poems reflect on his past life and the bumpy relationship between
Israel and God. He talks about past events that have taken place in
his lifetime. Moses also talks about the future of Israel.

At this time, especially after Rosh Hashana, we should take a step
back. We should look back at the past events and the accomplishments
of the Chazak division, and look at how far we have come. We, like
Moses, must reflect on what we as individuals has been through in the
past year, and also as a community. Chazak has accomplished so much in
the past year and has been extremely successful. From winning Bible
bowl at encampment 2008, to winning Maccabia at encampment 2009. From
having one of the biggest kinnuses Chazak has ever seen, to having the
biggest division at encampment 2009. We have come far, but we also
must look to the future. Talking about the future gives us the
opportunity to set goals for ourselves for the upcoming year. All of
us should learn from the past and take what we have learned to the
future. With that knowledge, we as the Chazak division are ready to
accomplish bigger and better things. So I wish you all a Shana Tova- a
happy and healthy New Year!

From, Rachel Samuels
Religious Education VP