Hakhel Gatherings for Jewish Women in Pikesville

by Rochel Kaplan

This entire year גפשת is a Hakhel year. The term Hakhel means to gather. Torah commands Deuteronomy 31:10-12: At the end of every seven years, at an appointed time, in the Festival of Sukkot [following] the year of Shemitah. When all Israel comes to appear before the Lord, your Gd, in the place He will choose, you shall read this Torah before all Israel, in their ears. Assemble the people: the men, the women, the children.

Practically speaking (without the Temple), we seek to applicate the message of Hakhel to affect the community with this enduring teaching.

Moshe Rabbeinu upon turning 120, aware that he would no longer lead the Jewish people as they entered the land of Israel, was concerned. He was eager to leave them a legacy as a united people, similar to Matan Torah to carry them through exile. Matan Torah was a sensorial experience (according to Midrash the Jews saw the thunder and heard lightning) followed by their devotion to Torah study. The beloved shepherd of Israel, Moses, left his people with Mitzvat Hakhel to observe on Sukkot but to follow throughout the Hakhel year with an imprint to inspire, uplift and unite the Jewish nation until the ultimate Hakhel with Moshiach.

Our program spans six months JanJune 2023. Each month features a dif- ferent topic. On January 24, 2023, the first of six in the presence of approx. twenty women, the program began with a Hakhel introduction by Rebbetzen Kaplan. Afterward, we focused on the theme of the evening “Song”, featuring a live singer, as well as a video of the Zushe band. Each attendee began filling out her personal “Soul Passport” which included their Jewish name, Hebrew birthdate, and occupation while sharing the soul power within each. At each subsequent gathering, the passport travel log will be continued with her life journey and travels, altogether divinely set by Hashem.

Hot homemade soups, cheese, and cracker board displays alongside wine and Nespresso was a welcoming touch.

Bruriah Herman Schechter, one of the attendees, described the evening as soul-stirring: My soul was astir from all five senses: the taste and smell of delicious food; the sights of beautiful decor; women with open hearts and hugs; and the sounds of two marvelous musicians.

We are taking reservations for our second Hakhel Event set for Tuesday 2/21, 8 pm. in Pikesville, MD. You may contact Rochel Kaplan, Aleph Learning Institute 4432209124, email chabadpikesville@gmail.com