The end of this week’s parsha, Tetzaveh, discusses the building of the golden altar used for the spices offering. Our Sages point out that the spices offering was the one that most pleases G-d. The reason is because all of the other offerings were brought to atone for a certain transgression, but this offering was brought only because of our joy and happiness in our Creator. There may be another reason, though, that made this offering more special than all of the other offerings.

Eleven spices were mixed together to bring this offering. One of the eleven spices was chelbena, which had a bad odor. Even though this spice had an awful smell to it, if it was left out, the person offering the spices was liable to the death penalty. This is to teach us a very important lesson: even if something is different than the others, do not leave it out. Even if that one is much worse than the others, it still must be included. Of course, spices do not have feelings, but humans do. The lesson for us is that we should not leave people out just because they are different. We should go out of our way to include everyone in what we do and not purposely leave people out.

As we know, next week is Purim and on Purim we read the Megillah. The Megillah ends by mentioning praises of Mordechai and concludes with the highest praise it can find for Mordechai: “he spoke peacefully with all of his descendents.” Of all of the praises of Mordechai, why is this one considered the greatest? The reason is because not all of Mordechai’s offspring followed his ways. Unfortunately, some of them did not choose to become wise Sages like him and others did not follow all of the laws as strictly as he did. Even though some of his offspring started to move away from the Path of Torah, he still spoke peacefully with them. Mordechai did not throw them out of his house, but instead still included them.

Purim is a very joyous time for many people. We have a delicious meal and give Shalach Manos to many of our friends. Unfortunately, though, one mitzvah is many times pushed to the side and that is Matanos L’evyonim, gifts to the poor. The halacha states a person should spend more money on Matanos L’evyonim than the seudah (meal) and Shalach Manos COMBINED. A few years ago, I thought this was impossible, but then two years ago I found out a way to fulfill this halacha. I started giving less Shalach Manos, which gave me more money to give to the poor. I now only make about a dozen packages of Shalach Manos to give to my Rav, my children’s Rebbes and Teachers, and our next door neighbors. We also buy lollipops for the children that bring us packages of Shalach Manos. I save much money by doing the mitzvos this way and now can properly give more money to Matanos L’evyonim. Plus, I have not lost a single friend since I started doing this. Please note, if a person is wealthy, it is praiseworthy and highly recommended to give more packages of Shalach Manos, but this person should also give more Matanos L’evyonim.

The economic situation in the world today is horrible. Unfortunately, many people are unemployed. I recently heard a story of a family that needs to borrow money to buy tissues. Times are hard. Let’s not forget the poor people in Eretz Yisrael and in our communities. Let’s give generously to Matanos L’evyonim. The greatest thing a person can do is to include everyone and by giving Matanos L’evyonim we are giving even the poor people an opportunity to smile.

Good Shabbos!
-yes
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