Jewish Charity Organization to Teach Torah to the Elderly in Israel

Everyone Deserves a Chance

SPONSORED BY SHARONA & JOSH HALICKMAN IN HONOR OF ELANA & DANIEL TORCZYNER'S RECEIVING THE COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD AT THE OHAB ZEDEK ANNUAL DINNER

The appointment of Betzalel and Aholiav to construct the Mishkan (tabernacle), the Ark and all of the vessels is found in Parshat Ki Tisa, Shmot 31:1-6 as well as in Parshat Vayakhel, Shmot 35:30-35.

PARSHAT KI TISA: GOD’S MESSAGE TO MOSHE:

“And God spoke to Moshe saying: See (re’eh) I have called by name Betzalel the son of Uri, the son of Chur of the tribe of Yehuda. I have filled him with the spirit of God in wisdom (Chochma), understanding (tvuna) and in knowledge (da’at) and in all manner of workmanship. To devise skillful works to work in gold, silver and bronze and in the cutting of stones for setting and in carving wood to work in all manner of workmanship. And I behold have appointed with him (ito) Aholiav the son of Achisamach of the tribe of Dan. In the hearts of all that are wise-hearted I have put wisdom that they may make all that I have commanded.”

PARSHAT VAYAKHEL: MOSHE’S MESSAGE TO B’NEI YISRAEL:

“And Moshe said to the children of Israel: See (re’u) God has called by the name Betzalel the son of Uri, the son of Chur from the tribe of Yehuda…both he and Aholiav the son of Achisamach of the tribe of Dan. God has filled them with wisdom of heart to work all manner of workmanship of the craftsmen, of the skillful workman and of the weaver in colors , in blue, purple, scarlet and in fine linen and of the weaver also that of laborers and planners.”

If the Torah doesn’t waste words, then why is this account repeated two parshiot in a row?

When examining the differences you will find that in Ki Tisa when God says “nattati ito”, I have appointed him with Betzalel, one may conclude that Aholiav is just assisting Betzalel. In Vayakhel, Moshe says “hu ve’Aholiav”, both Betzalel and Aholiav, clarifying that in fact they are working together as partners.

Betzalel and Aholiav came from very different backgrounds. Betzalel was from the prestigious tribe of Yehuda, son of Leah. Aholiav was from the tribe of Dan, son of Bilha, Yaakov’s maidservant. Rashi points out that despite their differences Aholiav and Betzalel are seen as equals in regard to their work in the Mishkan. This shows that God does not choose the rich over the poor. Rather, God chooses leaders based on their merits and skills.

In our own lives it’s important to follow this formula and give everyone a fair chance regardless of their backgrounds or economic situations. The State of Israel was built on the idea that everyone will work together to build the land regardless of their social and economic backgrounds. The problem in Israel today is that unfortunately there is a huge disparity between the rich and the poor. It is up to each of us to do what we can to bridge that gap.