G-d chose a very special person to construct the Mishkan, the holy Tabernacle. Betzalel was chosen not just because of the self-sacrifice merit of his grandfather, who gave up his life for G-d. One can properly label Betzalel as a gifted young man who had precise knowledge in many areas. He knew science, mathematics, engineering and all the kabalistic knowledge of the soul and creation. In his breath of knowledge, he surpassed his contemporaries at a very young age. Unlike some craftsmen who are experts in one field and not so in others, he was on top of his game in all areas of expertise. He was a genius, a wonder boy! One could appreciate Betzalel’s gifts by what the Ibn Ezra, Abarbanel, and the Chasam Sofer point out.
Often, one finds, when very wise men focus on certain issues, their grasp of the practical world weakens and they become fools in worldly matters. It’s easy to sell an egghead the Brooklyn Bridge. Many cultures have a character “the absent-minded professor”, highly intelligent but socially awkward. They’re not able to relate to the average Joe. They possess one attribute or the other but not usually both. Those blessed with great intelligence have poor motor skills and the opposite. Great athletes most often never become successful managers. Betzalel had no deficiencies. He was able to master both sides of the spectrum. Because of this universal appeal, the most important contribution Betzalel made and the greatest gift he possessed by far – according to the commentaries above – was that he knew how to teach all those skills to others, a natural communicator. That showed true greatness!
We read every day before Shema, in morning prayers, “Lilmode Ulelamed”, to learn and to teach others. Rav Daner says one does not get full credit of learning Torah unless he conveys what he learns to others, thus getting a half-mitzvah. It’s not enough to forward an email, although I wouldn’t mind. One has to deliver the message himself. So if one learns something in a shiur, in order to receive his brownie points he must share it the next morning on the subway, at the office, or at every avenue of communication with his fellow Jew. Some people, despite their great wisdom, are not good teachers. The ability to teach is a unique gift. The Or Hachaim says, “Besides talent, you need a generous spirit.” We are all responsible for one another and we show it by being kind and considerate to each other. But the biggest kindness is sharing knowledge, especially of our holy Torah. Out of all the gifts Betzalel possessed, teaching was the most crucial and essential part of his work. “Observe! G-d selected Betzalel.” What a rare wonder he must have been!
