The rabbi bee keeper comes to Lake Mary

In honor of Rosh Hashanah, Rabbi Shmuli Gutnick of Boca Raton, Fla., brought his collection of honeybees to Chabad of North Orlando. Seventy-five children and parents enjoyed the one-of-a-kind, pre-Rosh Hashanah program where they said the correct blessing over the food in their goodie bags, followed by the blowing of the shofar by Rabbi Yanky Majesky.

Chanshy Majesky, director of the Chabad Hebrew School, led the children in a musical game, which helped familiarize them with different aspects of the Jewish New Year.

Rabbi Gutnik, in his charismatic and humorous manner, explained to the children all about the process of honey-making and the life of a bee. On Rosh Hashanah we dip apple in honey so Rabbi Gutnik ate apples as he juggled them.

The children dressed up as bees and flowers as they “collected” pollen in preparation for the honey making.  

All gathered around the see-through beehive to watch real bees hard at work, and the children tried to spot the queen bee.

The children then lined up one by one to actually help make the honey, which they got to take home.

The children also made shofar-shaped honey dishes for their holiday table. 

“All the kids had a ball,” said Joy Stricker of Longwood.

“What a fun and educational event,” added Pam Waggoner of Heathrow. “My kids loved the freshly made honey and of course finished it within the hour after the program”.

“Chabad is dedicated to bringing the joy of Judaism to every Jew in town, we are always trying to find the most creative and fun ways to bring Torah to children of every age” said Chanshy Majesky. “Today’s program was a great hit for the children and parents alike and I’m sure the kids will remember this for a long time.”