The mitzvah of Hakhel is to “Gather the people—the men, women and children,” including newborns. Bringing the young to such an event requires giving them attention, love and care, like only a mother can. A father cannot offer the motherly care that a child needs, no matter how knowledgeable he is.
Although the actual Hakhel gathering took place in the Holy Temple, Hakhel in the spiritual sense is applicable at all times. It happens every Hakhel year in every Jewish home—their miniature Holy Temple, by teaching the values of Hakhel: They will thus learn to be in awe of G-d your L-rd, and “faithfully observe all the words of this Torah” (Devarim 31:12).
Here too, the mother plays a most essential role. Because the woman is the “foundation” of her home, raising children, etc., she predominately assumes the responsibility of this mission of effecting the spiritual theme of Hakhel in their personal Holy Temple. Only then can her husband and children “faithfully observe all the words of this Torah.”
Adapted from a sicha said on 22nd Day of Elul, 5747 (1987)
Excerpt from Hakhel: The Inside Story
Published by Sichos in English
