PARASHA 021 MAIN PAGE
Sh'mot/Exodus
30:11–34:35
The name
of the Parshah, "Ki Tisa," means "When you take" and it is found in
Exodus 30:11.
The people of Israel are told to each contribute exactly half a shekel
of silver to the Sanctuary. Instructions are also given regarding the
making of the Sanctuary’s water basin, anointing oil and incense.
“Wise-hearted” artisans Betzalel and Aholiav are placed in charge of the
Sanctuary’s construction, and the people are once again commanded to
keep the Shabbat.
When Moshe does not return when expected from Mount Sinai, the people
make a golden calf and worship it. YEHOVAH proposes to destroy the
errant nation, but Moshe intercedes on their behalf. Moses descends from
the mountain carrying the tablets of the testimony engraved with the Ten
Commandments; seeing the people dancing about their idol, he breaks the
tablets, destroys the golden calf, and has the primary culprits put to
death. He then returns to YEHOVAH to say: “If You do not forgive
them, blot me out from the book that You have written.”
YEHOVAH forgives, but says that the effect of their sin will be felt for
many generations. At first YEHOVAH proposes to send His angel along with
them, but Moshe insists that YEHOVAH Himself accompany His people to the
promised land.
Moshe prepares a new set of tablets and once more ascends the mountain,
where YEHOVAH reinscribes the covenant on these second tablets. On the
mountain, Moshe is also granted a vision of the divine thirteen
attributes of mercy. So radiant is Moshes’ face upon his return, that he
must cover it with a veil, which he removes only to speak with YEHOVAH
and to teach His laws to the people.
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