TOM’S TALMUD TISCH:

Series on Hakhel, Part Eight

Masechet Sotah, Chap. Seven, Page 41a

Was Righteous Relinquishing of Royal Respect, Right or Wrong?

In this Eighth and final Episode, we conclude analyzing the pithy information on fulfilling the biblical Septennial Assembly Mitzvah of Hakhel that's available in the Mishna.

As we've learnt gathering the nation for an event that leaves the maximum after-effect calls for the participatory leadership of a supreme royal figure -- if possible.

The inspiring atmosphere at our Septennial Assembly was created, in part, by the sitting Monarch playing the pivotal role.

Ultimately, much of Hakhel’s unique aura revolved around the Crown, and the King's Honour therefore comes to be viewed an important component of the Mitzvah.

This helps us appreciate our desired involvement of even a less-than-fully-sanctioned regent who represented (at best) a dubious, non-accredited monarchy.

The unorthodox humility of one such supreme political leader, leads into a discussion of whether any governing monarch may ever relinquish royal esteem without inappropriately --and unlawfully diminishing the honour of the monarchy itself?

The same foreigner-King's surprising emotional outburst elicited an even more surprisingly flattering response from the Torah-sage-led-nation. Was their flattery a tragic and costly mistake?

Finally, we'll discover how this sheds light on, and provides a better, fuller comprehension of the Mitzvah of Hakhel itself!