Three Regalim

שמות פרק כג, יד שָלש רְׁ גָלִים תָחֹג לִי בַשָנָה:

What is the meaning of three Regalim?

1. It is a positive mitzvah is to celebrate three times in Yerushalayim during the three holidays. The principal method is to bring korbanos (Chagigah and Shelamim) to honor the holidays.
2. Explained as three “times” - similar to the use of this same word in the episode of Bilaam striking his donkey three times. This is how the Targum also translates this word. Further, in the listing of the holidays in Devarim, specifically mentions three times (פעמים).
3. Since Torah uses the word “Regalim” and not “times”, the Gemara (Chagigah 2a) learns that one must be able to travel by one’s own feet. This exempts a lame person, a blind person, an elderly person, and anyone else unable to travel by oneself. Meiri states that one must be able to travel by foot (and not by carriage or other means). Nevertheless, if one is able to travel by feet, then one can take other means of transportation (yet the custom was to actually walk).
4. How far does a person need to travel to be obligated? Rashi says from the city of Yerushalayim to the Temple courtyard. Tosfos explains that one needs to be able to travel from their home to Yerushalayim.
5. Ibn Ezra explains that the three times to celebrate represents the expression of joy and appreciation. In the springtime, we recognize the Redemption from Egypt and the harvesting of the crops. In the summer, we recognize the Giving of the Torah and the summer harvest. And in the fall, we recognize the Divine Providence in the desert and the fall harvest.
6. Abarbanel explains the reason is that periodically the nation comes to Yerushalayim, the center of judgment and learning.
7. Shach learns multiple allusions from this verse:
   • One should travel with one’s feet and not be tired, due to the three holidays.
   • They should travel with them, meaning the angels would accompany the Jews on their travel לש ש חוג תגלים ר (first letters) שרת (ministering angels).
   • Make a festival to Me – do not come for the external reasons like the korbanos, or national celebrations; come solely for Me, to experience the relationship with HaShem.
8. Toras Shmuel explains that the word “Regalim” specifically means feet. Angels exist in a level of “standing” as if with one foot. This stationary level has the advantage of not falling while exhibiting great levels of “emotion.” However, they do not have the ability to travel to another level. A soul in a body has two legs and the ability for הליכה the ability to go to a new place, move levels (up or down) with the chains of creation. A Jewish soul also has a “third” leg to “jump” above all levels to reveal the light of G-d that will become fully revealed in the times of Moshiach.
9. Toras Shmuel - During the Three Regalim we connect to this light of G-d. Pesach begins the process in the month of Aviv (father of 12) connecting the Jews. This is the time of barley “animal food.” This indicates the first stage of bitul of the animal soul. Next, Shavous is the gathering of wheat, drawing down Torah from above to affect our holy soul. Finally, Sukkos is the gathering of all the levels of man to the level about Creation which can only happen by the means of Teshuvah.