24th Elul. Parshas Nitzavim Vayelech. Chelek 24, page 197

Theme: Living with the message that Hashem runs the world.

Thank you to this week’s Sicha Sponsors:

Simi Ghods & Aliza Galinsky in honor and lilui nishmas of Morah Shaindel Glick

A dear friend in honor of the engagement of Yaffa Muchnik!

For a Shidduch for בליומא בת בתשבע קריינדל. Iyh next year to sponsor again in celebration of good news!

& L’ilui nishmas a listener’s father Tzvi Hersh Ben Bentzion, whose yahrzeit is 27 Elul

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Sicha Summary:

Rashi teaches us that the Torah is instructing us that Hakhel begins at the end of the 7 years, actually referting to the first of the next cycle of shmitah. Because what we learn coming off of shmitah connects us to the goal of Hakhel!

What are the messages of shmitah?

Mitzvas shmitah is generally broken down into 3 parts.

1. Person has to rest
2. The land has to rest
3. The fruits that do end up growing during shmitah are ownerless, everyone can come and take them. Owner cant keep them.

3 messages of shmitah summed up

1. I am not my own person, Hashem is in charge, Im here to do what Hashem wants
2. Nothing in nature works on its own, its all run by Hashem
3. Nothing that i think is mine is really mine, it's all Hashems and Im Hashems Shliach to use it

How do they connect with Hakhel?

The portions of the Torah the King reads at Hakhel directly connects to these messages:

1. Shema - Kabalos Ol, Hashem is in charge of my world. You dont have to worry, i can be calm relaxed and happy
2. Vehaya - what makes things grow? When I follow the will of Hashem. What keeps us safe? Hashem! My missiles are my mitzvahs!
3. Maaser/Tzedakah - I don’t even own it! Its hashems, I get to be Hashem’s shliach and direct the money where it should go.Tzedakah is not out of goodness of my heart, its the RIGHT thing to do. This applies to every area for things we think we own. Hashems in charge, and we get to be the shliach! Our shlichus, a talent, our children, it's not for me and about me, it's what does hashem want me to do with THIS?

Who gives us this message in the most powerful way possible? The melech! The king. As Chassidim we know what it means to be the Rebbe’s messenger, to be botul to the King.

Reaffirm these messages: Hashem takes care of me & my world. Let me seek out Hashem’s mission. Stay in the world of Torah, take this experience and go back into my day to day life - but now with the messages of Shmitah/Hakhel - I can be calm, Hashem’s got me, I can be happy, calm and present - put my efforts in, use my Hashem sense of direction, and not stress about the results.