Parashat Ki Tisa 5784

by Rabbi Margie Cella

This week’s parashah begins with Moses taking a census, requiring each man aged 20-60 years old to bring a half shekel to God. Following this, God gave the final instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle, designating Bezalel to oversee the construction and then once again reiterated the importance of Shabbat observance.

While Moses was on Mt. Sinai receiving the tablets containing the 10 commandments, the people had Aaron build a golden calf for them to worship; God was angry enough to want to destroy the nation, but Moses interceded on their behalf. Yet, when Moses saw what the people had done, he broke the tablets in anger, and destroyed the calf, designating the Tabernacle as the singular place of worship for the Jewish people. At God’s command, Moses ascended the mountain with a second set of tablets to be inscribed with the commandments. There, God declared to him the 13 Attributes of God’s mercy. Later, when Moses descended with the newly engraved tablets after spending 40 days and nights in the presence of God, his face shone.

God had wanted to wipe out the nation for practicing idolatry. Though there was no doubt that they were guilty of violating a fundamental commandment, Moses spoke up on their behalf, reminding God that God had redeemed them for Egypt to forge a covenant with them and claim them as God’s own. When God expressed a desire to destroy the people and start all over again with Moses, he refused, declining to go forward unless God went with them.

Moses’ example is to be emulated, putting the needs of others before our own, even as we are aware of their shortcomings. Kol Yisrael Arevim Zeh Ba’Zeh – All the people of Israel are responsible for one another.