Rabbi Menachem Rodal, 68, OBM

By COLlive reporter

Rabbi Menachem Rodal, a veteran and beloved educator who sparked the imagination of Jewish children in Pensylvania and California, passed away on Monday, 28 Nissan 5777.

He was 68 and suffered from an illness.

Menachem Aharon Hakohen Rodal entered the field of education when the Rebbe sent him on Shlichus to Pittsburgh, to teach in the Yeshiva Achei Tmimim – Yeshiva Schools in Pittsburgh.

Pittsburgh native Jacob Nemon, who is now a litigation attorney, recalled Rabbi Rodel being “One of the coolest and funniest teachers I ever had. We called him Rabbi Riddle.”

Rabbi Rodal later moved to Los Angeles to work at the Cheder Menachem boys school, where he taught the basic subjects such as Chumash and Gemara in his unique manner.

Rabbi Rodal shared his passion for the world of science with hundreds of students, hatching chicken eggs in class, bringing in an item from his prized collection, or taking them step-by-step through the process of kashering a lung.

With his vast knowledge, sense of humor and friendly manner, Rabbi Rodal was a hit with adults and children alike. His classes were informative, interesting and hands-on, leaving you with an indelible appreciation for the miracles of nature we take for granted every day.

Filmmaker Robin Garbose said Rabbi Rodal “introduced our children to the wonders of animal life and was always cracking the funniest jokes. He rode everywhere on his bicycle, always with a smile. We are heartbroken.”

His 40 years in the field of Chinuch included spending the summer months at Camp Gan Israel of Detroit and Machane Mamosh – Gan Yisroel West Ranch Camp in North Fork, California.

He was also known as Rabbi Nature for the educational presentations and workshops he would conduct in schools and camps. His lectures would often be coupled with hands-on demonstrations when he spoke about animals, the elements of nature and kosher.

Rabbi Mendel Shusterman had Rabbi Rodal speak about honey and bees at the Hebrew School of Chabad of Beverly Hills in California. He said Rabbi Rodal had the students “entertained for the entire time he was there. The parents who were there were fascinated by the presentation as well.”

“He was a living example of what a shliach, a chossid, a mechanech, a father, a husband, and a friend should emulate,” family members said.

He is survived by his wife Mrs. Shterna Rivkah Rodal, their children Rabbi Mordechai Rodal – Johannesburg, South Africa; Rabbi Sholom Ber Rodal – Los Angeles, CA; Menucha Rochel Loewenthal – Denmark; Rabbi Yechezkel Rodal – Inverrary, Florida; Mirel Levitansky – S. Simcha Monica, CA; Devorah Leah Heidingsfeld – Moorpark, CA; Chana Raizel Sossonko – Miami Beach, Florida; Rabbi Meir Yitzchok Rodal – Crown Heights; Rabbi Yossi Rodal – Melbourne, Australia; Chaya Mushka Chazan – Crown Heights; Bracha Esther Rodal – Crown Heights; and grandchildren.

He is also survived by his siblings Mr. Berel Rodal – Ottawa Ontario, Canada; Rabbi Shmuel Rodal – Milan, Italy; and Mrs. Chana Raizel Kagan – North Miami Beach, Florida.

The levaya will be passing Cheder Menachem in Los Angeles today (Monday) 3:30 PM and on Tuesday passing by 770 Eastern Parkway at 12:15 PM.

The family will be sitting Shiva in New York on Tuesday and Wednesday morning at 1640 Carroll, Brooklyn, NY. Shachris: 9:30 am. Mincha, Maariv: b’zman. The family will be sitting shiva in Los Angeles for the remainder of the week at 1700 S. Wooster St, Los Angeles.

To support the family’s financial needs, donate at www.rodalfamilyfund.com. Memories can be sent to [email protected].

Baruch dayan haemes.