Leaving An Everlasting Impression
The Mitzvah of Hakhel provides a powerful Chinuch message. During the Yomtov of Succos following a Shmitah year, the Torah commanded that the nation of Israel gather in the courtyard of the Bais HaMikdosh where the King of Israel read from Sefer Devarim. Men, women and children were included in the command to gather.
Chazal explain that the men were gathered to learn from the reading and the women to listen to the reading. The children referred to included all children even those who were not of the age of Chinuch. Those who were of proper age to be educated had the same responsibility as the adults. The very young children were brought only because the parents were commanded to do so. In fact, it appears that the command applied to them only to provide parents with a way to receive a reward just for bringing them.
The main focus of this once-in-seven-years gathering was to raise the ruchnius of the nation through a review of the lessons in Sefer Devarim. We should only be able to imagine in our mind’s eye the scene. Massive crowds standing in the courtyard of the Bais HaMikdosh listening to the king of Israel recite sections of the Sefer. His beautiful voice piercing the silence as every individual hung on each and every word. Given this picture, how does a blanket command to bring little children who couldn’t possibly understand the recital make any sense? Even the best-behaved ones would be in constant need for parent over site to ensure minimal disruptions. How can parents have possibly gained from the Hakhel experience if their attention was divided?
We need to understand better what brought about the growth in ruchinus from the Mitzvah of Hakhel to answer our question. Actually, it was much more than listening or learning from the words of Sefer Devarim. If that were the extent of the Mitzvah, then a more conducive learning environment would have been preferable. As awe-inspiring as a gathering of Hakhel was, for many or even most people, a Bais Medresh, classroom or one’s own living room would be more effective. As well, an opportunity to listen to the king recite the Torah would be a great experience, however, a great mechanech or baal koreh would more likely possess the skills necessary to ensure acquisition of the Torah’s message.
Therefore, we can assume that the growth in ruchnius through the Mitzvah of Hakhel came about through two stimuli, the content of Sefer Devarim and the impression gleaned from the awe-inspiring experience. As such, the impression of the overall event impacted everyone even the children who were unable to understand the reading. The power of environment and the power of an impression can be impactful. It can foster growth in adults and change the lives of children. It’s for that reason; parents were rewarded for bringing even children who were not of the age of “academic” chinuch.
Jewish life is full of impressionistic opportunities. The Mitzvah of Hakhel and the insistence that little children are included sends the message that life’s impressionistic opportunities need to be seen as integral to growth in ruchnius. It places great value in impressionistic opportunities in the chinuch of children of all ages. Parents who seek out these opportunities are to be commended. Chodesh Tishrei is a month full of opportunities. Shofar, Kaparos, Succos, 4Minim, Simchas Bais HaShoeva, visiting Gedolim, are to name some.
Impressionistic lessons in school incorporated in the Kodesh curriculum serves as a powerful learning opportunity. It is an effective strategy that builds intrinsic motivation in students for all learning situations and all areas of the curriculum.
The Al Pi Darko approach to Chinuch incorporates impressionistic learning opportunities into the Kodesh and Chol (Integrated Studies Curriculum). As a chinuch approach that emphasizes “natural” according to the Torah, Hakhel’s message is surely included.
A Gut Yomtov