Dear Reader,
I am very excited to invite you to join a new initiative from theJewishwoman.org called: Become a Hakhel leader.
This year, we have a unique opportunity that comes around only once in seven years! This year is called a “Hakhel” year, and it provides each of us with an opportunity to become leaders with a purpose.
In the time of the Temple, at the end of the seven-year Sabbatical cycle, the entire Jewish nation, men, women, and children, would gather together to be inspired and reinvigorated. As the king read sections from the Torah, every single individual played a key role in being there.
This event was known as Hakhel, which means "assemble!" and was reminiscent of the moment when our nation stood at Mount Sinai when G‑d lovingly gave us the Torah and every member of our nation was present.
Although Hakhel is no longer practiced as it was during the Temple, the Rebbe repeatedly encouraged us to utilize a Hakhel year as an opportunity to get together to study Torah, and inspire each other.
And so, this is the year for all of us to become a leader with a purpose!
Our world needs leaders. Leadership means taking the knowledge you have access to and sharing it with others.
Here is more information about this special opportunity.
Become a Leader by organizing a gathering to study together, in your living room, in a friend’s office, or at your Shabbat table. Groups can be small, with just you and a friend or family member, or amongst a larger network of acquaintances. Whether you are able to organize a group just a few times a year, or every week of the year; whether you will get together in person or meet over the phone (or zoom), everyone can take part. No matter who you are, no matter how old you are, and no matter how much you know, your contribution is important!
What you do NOT need to Become a Hakhel Leader
- any prior level of observance or knowledge
- any financial commitment
- a lot of extra time
What you DO need to Become a Leader
- a desire to grow
- a desire to share
- an open and welcoming attitude
- the courage to make a difference
- a small investment of time and energy
Click here to download this week’s PDF study group packet
TheJewishWoman.org will be emailing you weekly the material you need for your study groups. Look out for our weekly email and join this exciting and inspiring grassroots movement.
Suggested Guidelines for Study Groups:
We suggest that your gatherings have these components:
- Gratitude—a short prayer acknowledging the blessings in our lives. (Suggestion: read Psalm 20)
- Giving—Place a few coins in a box designated for charity.
- Study—Read together the material provided by thejewishwoman.org. Discuss the questions and encourage everyone to share their thoughts and opinions. (Whenever possible take on one small, positive resolution to make our world brighter.)
- Plan—Set a date and place for the next gathering and encourage your friends to bring their friends.
- Please share with us how your gatherings are working out and any feedback on our material so we can network and grow stronger.
Looking forward to a year of Hakhel gatherings while studying and growing together!
Chana Weisberg,
Editor, TJW
PS. Please share with me your thoughts on this initiative. Will you be joining this exciting grassroots movement to Become a Leader? How often can you commit to organizing a gathering? Who will you be inviting? How will you encourage people to join?
