Rashi explains that this parsha was proclaimed “b’hakhel” because the majority of the fundamental laws of the Torah are dependent upon it. All of Klal Yisrael assembled to read this parsha, while many other mitzvos focus on specific groups, such as Kohanim, Leviim, firstborns, or males, the principle of kedushah, holiness, pertains to all members of the Jewish community. Each member of Bnei Yisrael is enjoined to work towards this goal to the best of his capabilities.
Horav E. Munk, z.l., advances this idea. The presence of the entire community signifies that the ideal goal of holiness can be achieved only through the collective efforts of all Klal Yisroel. Although each individual is able to ascend to a high degree of holiness, his personal effort is of only relative importance. The majority of the basic laws of the Torah require the participation of the whole community. These mitzvos include the communal korbanos, the duties of social welfare to the community, Shmittah, Yovel, and the gatherings of Jews during the three Yamim Tovim. Members of Klal Yisrael cannot achieve perfection in isolation or solitude: it requires interaction with one another. Horav Y. Neiman, z.l., offers another approach to understanding the need for the entire assembly to gather for the proclamation of uhv, ohause. He cites the Zohar which states that this parsha was a source of great joy to the scholars who studied it. Why? He responds that one may think that only select individuals have the opportunity to ascend to the lofty degree of holiness expected by the Torah. This is not true! Everyone has the potential to achieve this apex. One must work and toil to reach for this goal. This is the reason that all of the Jews assembled together. The message is clear and applicable to everyone. One must only endeavor for this goal, and he will attain it.
