Ascent to Jerusalem for the Three Festivals (Aliyah L’Regel)
When the Temple stood, all males had to appear before the Lord for the three festivals (Exodus 23:14-17, 34:23-24, Deuteronomy 16:16). At what age did they have to come – at 13? 30? Also, did they have to come from the Diaspora? It seems unrealistic in those times that people who lived in Egypt or Babylonia would be able to make such a long trip three times every year. Lastly, was it realistic for so many people to converge on Jerusalem at once?
The Aish Rabbi Replies:
The obligation applied to all males from the age of 13 and up – which is the age of Bar Mitzvah – when a young man becomes obligated in the commandments. Exceptions were people who were elderly or unwell – or otherwise unable to make the trip (Mishna Hagigah 1:1), as well as a ritually-impure person and the uncircumcised. Another possible exception was someone who did not own land (see Tosafot, Pesachim 3b s.v. “mai’alyah”). There was also