What is Hakhel?

Have you heard of “Hakhel” yet? Hakhel was a gathering that took place on the holiday of Sukkot, every 8 years in the Beit Hamikdash in Jerusalem. Every Jew—man, woman and child—was expected to be present, and the king would read to them special selections from the Torah, to implant within their hearts a desire and motivation to study and know G-d.

Nowadays, there is no Jewish king, and there is no Holy Temple. But the essence of this mitzvah, gathering together with fellow Jews for Torah study and inspiration, is something each one of us can do. In fact, the Lubavitcher Rebbe says that now, the whole year becomes a Hakhel year, when we can use every opportunity to connect and inspire one another!

And we’re not just referring to virtual meet-ups or sending good wishes over text with cute emojis. That’s so 2020! Covid is long past us, we can finally get together in person. Let’s make the most of this Hakhel year, getting together with family and friends, to inspire one another. Start with Yom Kippur, the holiest day on the Jewish calendar, coming up this Tuesday evening, through Wednesday night.

May we merit to join together for the ultimate Hakhel with the coming of Moshiach, our righteous king, now!

Shabbat Shalom and wishing you an easy fast!

Shabbat candle lighting time: Friday, 6:21 PM

Yom Kippur candle lighting & fast starts: Tuesday, 6:15 PM. Fast ends Wednesday, 7:12 PM

For more about Yom Kippur, please visit: www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/4687/

P.S. The week between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur is an opportune time to add in Tzedaka! To make a donation and partner with us, please visit www.mitzvahtank.nyc/donate . Thank you!