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
Moses does not return when
expected from
Mount Sinai, the people make a
golden calf and worship it.
G‑d proposes to destroy the errant nation, but Moses
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 G‑d to say: “If You do not forgive them,
blot me out from the book that You have
written.”
G‑d forgives, but says that the
effect of their
sin will be felt for many generations. At first G‑d
proposes to send His
angel along with them, but Moses insists that G‑d Himself
accompany His people to
the promised land.
Moses prepares
a new set of tablets and once more ascends the mountain,
where G‑d reinscribes the covenant on these
second tablets. On the mountain, Moses is also granted
a vision of the divine
thirteen attributes of mercy. So radiant is Moses’ face
upon his return, that he must cover it with a
veil, which he removes only to speak with G‑d and to teach
His laws to the people.
Learn:
Ki Tisa in Depth
Browse:
Ki Tisa Parshah Columnists
Prep:
Devar Torah Q&A for Ki Tisa
Read:
Haftarah in a Nutshell
Play:
Ki Tisa Parshah Quiz
