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Hazak

The name Hazak is an acronym. The Het stand for Hokhmah (wisdom), the Zayan for Ziknah (maturity) and the Kuph for Kadima (looking ahead). At Temple Israel we say “Hazak, Hazak.” We are One! We are Strong!

What is Hazak? Hazak is dedicated to serving the social, religious and educational needs of Jews 55 and over. It is the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism's Organization for the mature Jew. Hazak at Temple Israel compliments the current demographic-orientated programs for the over 55 constituency by creating additional programming with the constituency in mind. From its humble beginnings at a barbeque in August 2005 to today, the membership has grown by leaps and bounds. Hazak provides an opportunity for enhanced networking and interaction among its members. It has created a broad sense of fraternity throughout its membership through the sharing of a variety of creative programs that include education, entertainment and socialization. Hazak affirms the traditional Jewish view that mature adults should have the opportunity to continue to learn to be active in their congregations, their community and among themselves. It affords the opportunity for seniors to connect and reconnect with their fellow peers in a friendly setting. Hazak is USY, AZA, BBGs, Young Judea for those who are 55 and older!

In order to appeal to all of our members diverse interests, our programming is varied. Some programs include: attending the Greater Boston Jewish Film Festival, an evening of social and financial awareness (elder abuse and identity theft), sharing a Shabbat morning service with Sisterhood on International Hazak Shabbat, Globe columnist Beverly Beckham, an evening honoring those who served in World War II, and an informative Program, “Getting Older is Getting Better: Myths and Realities”, and a trip to the Yiddish Museum in Amherst MA. In the Jewish tradition of giving, we “adopted” children from Jewish Family and Children Services to provide Chanukah gifts for children who would have not otherwise received any. Our members are generous in their donations and we are able to provide many gifts to these children.

It also offers the opportunity for members to participate in regional events as a trip to New York to visit the rare book room at JTS, The Jewish Museum, Ellis Island and other sites and cross regional events as The Hazak Retreat held in June each year at Block & Hester Vacation Center in the Pocono Mountains.

In April 2007 we submitted an application to Solomon Schechter Award for Excellence in Synagogue Programming sponsored by the USCJ. This award is presented to congregations affiliated with the United Synagogue that have distinguished themselves during the preceding two years in aspects of congregational life. Our chapter of Hazak won the Gold Award for our size synagogue and was presented with the award at the Biennial Convention held in Orlando, Florida in December 2007.

For information about Hazak, please contact Gloria Rose, President.