When you have questions about Jewish law and observance, be sure to ask your rabbi for guidance.

When a person seeks religious or spiritual guidance, it requires not only erudition in Jewish law but also thoughtfulness on the part of the rabbi to consider the full import of the question that had been posed and its ramifications. These qualities were emblematic of the architects and builders of the מִשְׁכָּן — Mishkan, the holy portable Tabernacle, that served as a focus for the people of God’s Divine Presence. Aside from being skilled as artisans, they had to be chachmei lev, wise-hearted individuals, those who had open hearts, and were prepared to involve themselves in acts of loving-kindness.

To appreciate the significance of the attribute of being chachmei lev, read this enlightening analysis entitled: “The Wise-Hearted Person” from Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald’s Torah message for Vayakhel 5776-2016. Out of respect for Shabbat, please consider printing it on Friday afternoon if you plan to read it on Shabbat.