Parashat Ki Tissa (Exodus 30:11 - 34:35)

by Rabbi Frank Dabba Smith

Summary

Ki Tissa begins with a census of adult males and the imposition of a one-off poll tax to pay for the construction of the Tabernacle in the wilderness. There follows descriptions of a bronze vessel as well as the oil and aromatic spices to be used during rituals and, finally, the commissioning of Bezalel to be in charge of constructing the Tabernacle.  Immediately after these final instructions concerning the Tabernacle and its ritual items are laws concerning the keeping of the Sabbath.

The people are anxious and insecure during Moses’ absence from the camp –he is one day late in returning--  and they turn to idolatry and build a golden calf.  Upon his descent from Mt Sinai, Moses angrily destroys the golden calf after having rashly smashed the tablets inscribed with the Ten Commandments.  Moses then averts further destruction by pleading to God for forgiveness of the sins of the Israelites.  There follows reconciliation between God and the people; the covenant is renewed.  The work of actually constructing the Tabernacle may commence now that the Israelites are freshly aware that they cannot turn to idolatrous cultic practices. 

Commentary

 ‘…a God compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in kindness and faithfulness…’  (Exodus 34:6)

We hear this soulful plea by Moses recited during Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services.  We stand before God, vulnerable and in anticipation of judgment and we come out of spiritual isolation to affirm that we are aware of something beyond ourselves and our own needs and wants. May our prayers, our repentance be accepted with kindness and compassion by the God of mercy.  A transformation is sought. 

In the case of the Israelites during the episode of the golden calf, their faith was drowned out by fear and insecurity.  Filled with panic, they reverted to frenzied, infantile behaviour.  They are not capable of freedom as they cannot conquer their overwhelming fear.  It is Moses who has to plead to God for their forgiveness, for a second chance.

For most of us, faith and certitude comes and goes, too.  Despite all of the good things that we enjoy we still feel lost and anxious at times.  We whinge and complain and, sometimes, we panic and act without reason.  We seek refuge from fear by cleaving to nice material things.  Perhaps one lesson of this story is that during times of isolation and despair God can be found in one’s own heart and in the hearts of others if we find genuine ways to help and support each other.  Sometimes, as a result, real and positive change is then possible when a sense of crisis is felt.

Rabbi Frank Dabba Smith

Harrow and Wembley Progressive Synagogue