The main purpose of Hakhel is to inspire Teshuvah. Our Sages, of blessed memory, taught (Vayikra Rabba 30:7) that the first day of Sukkos is “the first [day] for calculating sins.” Therefore, [at the beginning of Sukkos the Jews] must immediately make preparation for repentance. And that preparation is Hakhel, when the king assembles the people and reads before them from the Book of Devarim, which predominately contains words of rebuke for iniquities.
It is rather obvious that the Hakhel gathering has the quality to foster repentance. Because through being assembled, they are one group and they can now come together to repent to G-d, as a congregation. [This is important] because it is specifically during the ten days of repentance that the Holy One, blessed be He, accepts the repentance of an individual. However, the rest of the year, G-d only accepts the repentance of a congregation (See Rosh Hashanah 18a).
Kli Yakar on Devarim 31:12
Excerpt from Hakhel: The Inside Story
Published by Sichos in English
