Aliya la'regel

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Aliya la'regel (Hebrew: עלייה לרגל, lit. 'pilgrimage') refers to a Jewish mitzvah and pilgrimage of going to Jerusalem during one of the three major Jewish holidays: Pesach, Shavuot and Sukkot. Contrary to common understanding, according to Halakha (Jewish law), the primary mitzvah is to "be seen" at the Temple—known as the mitzvah of re'iyah (ראייה) - rather than merely visiting Jerusalem.

The Aliya la'regel is also mentioned in Deuteronomy, Chapter 16.^[1]

This tradition is based on the biblical commandment written on Exodus, 34:23:

שָׁלֹשׁ פְּעָמִים בַּשָּׁנָה יֵרָאֶה כָּל זְכוּרְךָ אֶת פְּנֵי הָאָדֹן ה', אֱלֹהֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל

— Exodus, 34:23

And in English (NIV):^[2]

Three times a year all your men are to appear before the Sovereign Lord, the God of Israel.

— Exodus, 34:23

In Chapter 23 of the Book of Leviticus, the three pilgrimage festivals - Passover, Shavuot, and Sukkot - are described, highlighting their importance in the Hebrew calendar. These festivals are collectively known in Hebrew as "Shalosh Raglaim" (Three Pilgrimage Festivals). This has led to linguistic confusion due to the dual meaning of "Regel" (רגל) as both "foot" and "time". ultimately, the tradition survived the years and was renamed to "Aliya la'regel" (עלייה לרגל).^[3]

The Mishnah describes the pilgrimage to Jerusalem as a celebration with pilgrims adorned, singing, and playing music. During the Second Temple period, Jerusalem saw pilgrims from across the Jewish diaspora, including Rome, Alexandria, Spain, and Babylon, although historical estimates of millions of participants are considered exaggerated. The pilgrimage, especially during Sukkot, was the largest, and traditions like "Pesi Birot" (פסי ביראות) allowed flexibility for pilgrims’ needs on Shabbat.

After the Siege of Jerusalem (70 CE), The Aliya la'regel practice continued. Following the establishment of Israel, symbolic pilgrimages to Mount Zion were led by Rabbi Yedidia Frankel. Among the Beta Israel community, the holiday of Sigd also involves a pilgrimage, traditionally to a mountain with holy books, now celebrated in Jerusalem. Despite the absence of a formal obligation, visiting the Temple Mount is still seen as fulfilling a mitzvah due to its enduring sacredness.

According to Halakha, the mitzvah during the pilgrimage festivals is to come to the Temple Mount and be seen there, as it is written: "'להראות לפני ה" (be seen before God). This involves bringing three different korbans: Olat Re’iyah, Shalmei Chagigah and Shalmei Simcha.

Only adult men are obligated to fulfill these commandments, although minors who are capable of ascending to the Temple are also expected to do so. Women are not obligated to come to the Temple; however, they are required to partake in the eating of sacrificed meat during the festival days.

The Mishnah depicts Aliya la'regel as a grand celebration, with pilgrims adorned in festive attire, singing songs, and playing musical instruments. Pirkei Avot chapter 5 says: "and no man said to his fellow: the place is too congested for me to lodge overnight in Jerusalem" (וְלֹא אָמַר אָדָם לַחֲבֵרוֹ צַר לִי הַמָּקוֹם שֶׁאָלִין בִּירוּשָׁלַיִם).^[4]