Jews pray at the Western Wall on Jerusalem Day. Credit Yonatan Sindel, Flash 90.
The second day of Sukkot was marked by a major event at the Western Wall in Jerusalem, alluding to Hakhel's commandment, when, every seven years, on the eve of Sukkot, the Jewish people gathered in the Temple to hear the King of Jerusalem read the Torah.
The destruction of the Temple caused the Hakhel to cease to be practiced for many centuries. However, with encouragement from Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson throughout the 20th century, the commandment was turned into a custom.
In addition to Jerusalem, where three Torah scrolls were received, the date was also celebrated in different parts of the world, with more than 500 headquarters of the Chabad movement promoting Torah learning and encouraging the mitzvah for Jews of all ages.
