The Splendor of Torah

The roots of this commandment: Because the entire essence of the Jewish nation is the Torah; and through it are they separated from every nation and language, to be meritorious for everlasting life—eternal pleasure that is not surpassed by any created matter. Therefore, since their entire essence is in it, it is fitting that everyone should gather together at one point in time to hear its words, and for the “discussion” to go out amongst the whole nation—men, women, and infants—saying, “What is the great gathering, that we have all been gathered together?” And the answer would be, “To hear the words of the Torah, which is our entire essence and glory and splendor.”

Chinuch, commandment 612

From Sichos In English