The misva of Hakhel, which literally means “to assemble,” took place once every seven years following the Shemittah year, during the festival of Sukkot. On this special occasion, the entire nation, men, women, and children, would gather in the courtyard of the Bet HaMikdash to hear the king read selected portions from Debarim. According to most opinions, this occurred on the first day of Hol HaMoed, when everyone was already in Jerusalem for the holiday.
The goal of Hakhel was to unite the nation and renew their connection to G-d and the Torah. The Rambam writes that when the Torah was read by the king, everyone listened with full attention and awe, as if hearing it directly from G-d at Har Sinai. Hakhel was a national reminder of who we are, what we believe, and why we must stay connected.
The Gemara in Masechet Hagigah (3a) teaches that while women and children were exempt from the regular pilgrimage festivals, they were included in the misva of Hakhel. The Gemara asks why children were brought during the regular pilgrimage if they weren’t obligated, and it answers, “to give reward to those who bring them.” But there’s more to it. Bringing children wasn’t only about reward, it was about planting something deep inside them. Even if they didn’t understand every word, they felt the atmosphere, the holiness, and the unity. They experienced what it means to be part of something greater than themselves.
It’s no coincidence that Hakhel took place during Sukkot, a time when the nation was already strengthened from the solemn days of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Sukkot reminds us that while our homes are temporary, our connection to G-d is lasting. Just as we all sit under one sukkah, surrounded by the same walls and covered by the same sechach, Hakhel brought everyone together under one roof of Torah, faith, unity, and awe of G-d.
Even today, without the Bet HaMikdash, the message of Hakhel continues. Sukkot gives us the perfect opportunity to pass on our faith with joy. We watch our children shake the lulav, help decorate the sukkah, and dance with the Torah. We realize: this is our Hakhel. This is how we instill love of Torah, unity, and joy for generations to come. The essence of the entire holiday is not just our own celebration, but the values we hand to those who come after us. So that they, too, will stand proudly as part of the Jewish Nation. Because when our children see us rejoice in Torah, they learn that faith isn’t only studied, it’s lived.