Rabbi Sholom Ber and Nechama Dina Hendel of Monsey (Raizy’s sister and brother-in-law) visited us this Shabbos with their three sons on their Presidents Weekend break. We, our children and the students really enjoyed their visit. Here are some of the Torah thoughts they shared over Shabbos:

Rabbi Sholom Ber Hendel:

Rabbi Sholom Ber Hendel is a Rabbinic Coordinator for the OK (Organized Kashruth Labs). You find their symbol of thousands of Kosher products. He travels often, far and wide to inspect and certify factories Kosher production. He’s quite an  expert on both the laws of Kosher and the methods of food production. It’s fascinating to hear how the details of old classic commentaries of the Code of Jewish Law have real world practical application today. Students enjoyed asking him a variety of Kosher questions and hearing really interesting answers.

Mrs. Nechama Dina Hendel:

This week’s Parsha Ki Tisa discusses the Ketoret, the incese that was offered daily on the Inner Altar in the Desert Tabernacle and later the Jerusalem Temple. In addition to the ingredients in this week’s Parsha, the Oral Tradition lists a total of eleven ingredients, one of which was unpleasant or odorous. The inclusion of this 11th spice teaches us that its Kosher and laudable to include the imperfect and problematic in our “Minyan” of excellent sweet-smelling ingredients. As a teacher, we have to try to reach all of our students, even those seemingly unwilling to study or with a limited capacity to learn. We can’t leave that 11th spice out.

Ben Zaientz added: Isn’t this the same message as “Tzibur” a Hebrew word for community made of three letters that stand for “Tzadik” (Righteous) “Benoni” (Average/Normal) and “Rasha” (Wicked). It takes all types to make up a community.

Ariel Ben added: I actually enjoy classes with students that are slower to learn and understand. Because they ask more questions which causes the professor to explain it a little better, use more examples, and bring out the point in a deeper, richer way.

Levi Yitzchak Hendel:

Levi is not quite 7 years old yet, but proudly shared a beautiful Dvar Torah about the Hebrew word “Machtzis” (half of a) Shekel mentioned at the start of this week’s Torah portion. The word Machtzis has 5 Hebrew letters with the letter Tzadik in the middle and two letters on either side. Tzadik stands for Tzedakah (which was the purpose of the Half-Shekel contribution). The two letters closest to the Tzadik spell Chai (which means Life) and the two letters furthest from the Tzadik at the extreme ends of the word spell Mais (which means death). Being closer to giving Tzedakah brings us closer to life and further from death. Well said Levi!

Here’s the funny thing: his mother, a teacher, thought of sharing the very same insight – but her son beat her to it! So she shared the message of the Ketoret above, and also added that another way to look at the Machtzis message is that the Tzadik letter, instead of representing Tzedakah, represents the righteous. Those closest to the Tzadik can have more opportunity for access to spiritual vitality than those furthest.