Hazak (חזק) means "strong" in Hebrew. But in Jewish tradition, this word is more than just an adjective: it's an exclamation, an encouragement, almost a rallying cry. Let's discover its meaning, its sources, and why it resonates so much today.

Hazak, hazak, venith'hazek: where does the phrase come from?

In the synagogue, when the reading of one of the five books of the Torah is completed, the whole congregation stands and proclaims: "Hazak, hazak, venith'hazek" — "Be strong, be strong, and let us strengthen ourselves." The phrase conveys two essential ideas: strength is wished for others before being kept for oneself, and it is built together — the final verb is in the first person plural.

What kind of strength? Not muscle strength

In Jewish sources, true strength is not physical. The treatise Pirkei Avot (4:1) asks: "Who is strong? He who conquers his evil inclination." The strength of Hazak is constancy: keeping one's commitments when enthusiasm has faded, staying upright when bending would be easier, starting over after failure. An inner strength, discreet, daily.

Hazak in everyday life

We say "Hazak!" or "Hazak ubarou'h" after an effort, a reading, a good deed. It's a word that acknowledges the effort of others and encourages them to continue. In a world that values the spectacular, Hazak celebrates perseverance — and that's exactly why it resonates so much with the current generation.

Wearing Hazak

At EMETH, we wanted to give this word the place it deserves: large, on the chest, in white and gold brush lettering. The HAZAK snow wash sweatshirt — heavy 270 gsm cotton, unique wash, raw edges — carries the message "Be Strong. Be True.": be strong, be true. A statement piece from the Moussar line, to discover with the entire Sweatshirts collection.

Hazak ve'ematz: be strong and take courage.