The following note was written between Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur, 5711.
The recitation of the phrase “Chazak, chazak, venischazeik”1 by the person who is called to the reading [of the concluding passage of] the Torah is not considered an interruption, because it is connected to the reading of the conclusion. (See the Alter Rebbe’s Shulchan Aruch, sec. 167:9.)2 He should also recite [this phrase],3 as indicated by our version [which concludes]: “And let us4 be strengthened”....
[“Be strong, be strong, and let us be strengthened”; the phrase customarily recited at the conclusion of the public reading of any of the books of the Torah.]
[There the Alter Rebbe states that speaking about matters pertaining to the meal; e.g., saying “Bring salt,” after reciting the blessing over bread, but before partaking of it, is not considered an interruption because it is relevant to the meal.]
[The Rebbe emphasizes this point, because there are certain halachic authorities (see Ketzos HaShulchan, sec. 84) who maintain that the expression should only be recited by the congregation, not by the one receiving the aliyah.]
[I.e., the entire congregation.]
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