Rabbi Yonason SacksSukkos and Hakhail: The Challenge of Integration

Rabbi Yonasan Sacks

Once every seven years, on the second day of Sukkos following the shemitah year, all of Klal Yisrael would assemble to hear the melech read from Sefer Devarim. The Rambam explains (Hilchos Chagigah, 3:1) that the very purpose of this mitzvah known as hakhail is to inspire the nation and to instill in each individual a passionate commitment to Torah.

The timing of the mitzvah of hakhail, however, is somewhat surprising. During the shemitah year, one must refrain from guarding and working his fields. In an agricultural society, the shemitah year is an opportunity to put aside the daily routine and devote oneself to spiritual growth. Hopefully, as the year concludes, one emerges spiritually rejuvenated and energized, well equipped to face the challenges of the coming year. Yet, as the new year begins the Torah commands us to ascend to the Beis Hamikdosh to experience hakhail. Why is it so crucial to hear the inspiring message of the melech particularly at this time?

The Meshech Chochma explains the lesson of hakhail: "L'maan yeidun derech Hashem ba'asosam m'leches sodeh v'kerem" - to recognize the ways of Hashem as one works in his field and vineyard. Hakhail challenges each individual to integrate the experience of shemitah into his daily routine. Therefore, as the farmer returns to his field, he is called upon to ascend to Yerushalayim.

The message and challenge of integration and synthesis is not limited to hakhail, but extends to Chag HaSukkos. If the very purpose of Sukkos is to commemorate the manner in which Bnai Yisrael traveled as they left Mitzrayim, why do we celebrate Sukkosat this time of year instead of during Chidesh Nissan?

The Midrash and the Maharal underscore the apparent connection between Yom HaKippurim and Sukkos. Perhaps this link can be understood based on the lesson of hakhail.

Yom HaKippurim is a day of taharah, during which we devote ourselves to spiritual growth and perfection. We strive to meet the challenge of "Lifnei hashem titaharu." Unfortunately, when the day comes to an end, and we return to our daily routine, the impact of Yom HaKippurim diminishes. We find ourselves preoccupied with the challenges of daily life without realizing the need to integrate Yom HaKippurim into the other days of the year. Perhaps for this very reason, the Torah insists that soon after Yom HaKippurim we leave our home, our diras kevah, and dwell in the succah. Both succos and hakhail underscore the need to incorporate true kedushah into each day of our life.