Sefer HaChinukh enumerates two mitzvot in Vayelekh. First is Hak'hel, the once-in-seven-year gathering of the entire nation, including women and children, in the Temple courtyard, where the King reads the book of Devarim to them. The mitzvah of Hak'hel applies only when all Jews are living in their land. The second, the writing of a Sefer Torah, applies only to adult males regardless of where they live.
At first glance, it would appear that both mitzvot derive from the general mitzvah of Torah study. This would explain why women are exempt from writing a Torah scroll, as they are, according to most authorities, exempt from Torah study. Why then are they included in the mitzvah of Hak'hel, which also appears to derive from the mitzvah of Torah study? Furthermore, Hak'hel is a time-bound, positive mitzvah, from which women are generally exempt. On the other hand, the mitzvot of Torah study and, by extension, writing a Torah scroll are not time-bound and yet, women are exempt (Kiddushin 34a).
Perhaps there is a connection between a woman's obligation in Hak'hel and the fact that Hak'hel applies only in Eretz Israel. The Sefer HaChinukh says that failure to participate in Hak'hel carries a very serious punishment, since it is a "powerful pillar" of Judaism. Women are unquestionably integral members of the Jewish nation. The Torah is the foundation of all national life in Eretz Israel. It is, therefore, incumbent upon all members of the nation to participate in Hak'hel, which underscores the responsibility and privilege given to Am Israel to practice the Torah in its most natural environment, in Eretz Israel. Hak'hel includes the personal requirement of Torah learning for men (Chagigah 3a), but goes beyond to include the national attachment to Torah and Eretz Israel, which applies also to women.
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Chaya Passow made aliyah in August of 2002. She was a limudei kodesh teacher and speaker on Jewish topics. She presently teaches English and lectures in Jewish studies.
At first glance, it would appear that both mitzvot derive from the general mitzvah of Torah study. This would explain why women are exempt from writing a Torah scroll, as they are, according to most authorities, exempt from Torah study. Why then are they included in the mitzvah of Hak'hel, which also appears to derive from the mitzvah of Torah study? Furthermore, Hak'hel is a time-bound, positive mitzvah, from which women are generally exempt. On the other hand, the mitzvot of Torah study and, by extension, writing a Torah scroll are not time-bound and yet, women are exempt (Kiddushin 34a).
Perhaps there is a connection between a woman's obligation in Hak'hel and the fact that Hak'hel applies only in Eretz Israel. The Sefer HaChinukh says that failure to participate in Hak'hel carries a very serious punishment, since it is a "powerful pillar" of Judaism. Women are unquestionably integral members of the Jewish nation. The Torah is the foundation of all national life in Eretz Israel. It is, therefore, incumbent upon all members of the nation to participate in Hak'hel, which underscores the responsibility and privilege given to Am Israel to practice the Torah in its most natural environment, in Eretz Israel. Hak'hel includes the personal requirement of Torah learning for men (Chagigah 3a), but goes beyond to include the national attachment to Torah and Eretz Israel, which applies also to women.
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Chaya Passow made aliyah in August of 2002. She was a limudei kodesh teacher and speaker on Jewish topics. She presently teaches English and lectures in Jewish studies.