The
goal of Hakhel imposes a weighty responsibility on Jewish communal
organizations. For the true role of every Jewish organization is to bring
together individuals who share some common outlook. Thus, bodies serving
G-d-fearing Jews should seek ways of encouraging the shared endeavors of their
members or students in the observance of Torah and mitzvos. Reciprocally,
encouragement of this nature will of course upgrade the sense of
responsibility that members will develop towards their organization.
Every Jewish congregation, association, federation and
institution - and certainly every yeshiva, cheder, Talmud Torah, kindergarten,
and every other educational framework -would be well advised to lead the way
in the Hakhel project proposed above. Gathering together from time to time -
say, once a month - to study Torah, give tzedakah and pray in unison will also
enable them to reach out to parents, relatives, friends and acquaintances, and
include them all in activities which will foster the awe of G-d, and Jewish
unity.
In addition, teachers may seek to encourage their students
to organize themselves into groups for the periodic study of particular areas
of Torah literature.
May the combined efforts of the entire Jewish people in the
mitzvah of Hakhel speed the fulfillment of the promise of the Holy One,
blessed be He - that He will gather together all the Jewish people in a great
assembly and bring us back to the Holy Land, to Jerusalem and to the Beis
HaMikdash. There we will be privileged to fulfill the mitzvah of Hakhel
physically, by hearing the Torah taught by David, King Mashiach - the
messenger of G-d, with joy and with gladness, now!
From a Sicha of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Shnas
Hakhel 5748
Reprinted with permission from Sichos in
English
