Chazak, Chazak, V'nitchazek

After what point during Torah reading does the person answer Chazak? After each portion is read? After the brachot are said?

Shalom!

Thank you for your question.

“ Chazak, chazak, v’nitchazek ,” which means, “Let us be strong, let us be strong, and let us strengthen others as well” is called out by the congregation at the conclusion of every book of the Torah. (1) In most synagogues, the congregation rises for the reading of the last few verses of each book of the Torah in preparation for reciting the “ chazak... ” together out loud. There was once a custom to recite this phrase after each and every Aliyah but there is no community that does this nowadays.(2)

There is a view that the proper cheer at the conclusion of a book of the Torah is actually “ chazak, chazak, chazak ” as these three words have the same gematria as the word “Moshe.” (3)  There is also a view that “ chazak v’nitchazak ” is what should be said (4).  Nevertheless, common custom is to recite “chazak chazak v’nitchazek.”

The “ chazak… ” is recited by everyone present except the one who received the last, concluding aliya. One reason why the one who received the Aliya remains silent is because the “ chazak… ” is said to be a blessing for him! Another reason that he does not join in saying "chazak...." is that for him, responding might be a forbidden interruption between the Torah reading and his concluding blessing. If, however, he did recite the "chazak..." then nothing need be done. The congregation recites “chazak…” first and it is the repeated by the Torah reader.

1  Levush 669.

2 Rema, OC 139:11.

3  Aruch Hashulchan , OC 139:15; Elef Hamagen 669.

4  II Shmuel 10:12.