Origins:
The Jewish people are commanded in the Torah (Deuteronomy 31:10-12) to gather in Jerusalem forHakhelevery seven years (after Shemitah (Leviticus 25:3), the sabbatical year, when Jews are biblically commanded to let the land of Israel rest for an entire year).
Hakhel:
On the second day of the holiday of Sukkot, Jewish men, women and children would gather in the Holy Temple in Jerusalem for a dose of inspiration. The king of Israel, such as King David, would read from the Torah. This special reading was meant to tide them over during the six “mundane” years of working the land.
Not Just One Day:
Hakhelis not limited to the single day of reading the Torah in the Holy Temple, but rather imbued the entire year with the message of unity and Jewish study.
Hakhel Today:
A time to promote bringing Jews together in unity and learning. Throughout the year synagogues, Jewish institutions and individuals will host gatherings for adults and children dedicated to encouraging the observance and study of Torah. At a time of so much divisiveness and loneliness, after years of isolation,Hakhelcouldn’t have come at a better time.
For more on Hakhel, then and now, please visit:www.chabad.org/744089
