Parshat Ki Tisa

The parsha opens with Hashem commanding Moshe to take a census of all B’nei Yisrael by instructing each
male above the age of twenty to bring half a shekel of silver to be counted. This silver was used to make the
Mishkan.

Hashem appointed Bezalel the son of Uri, to be a master builder on the construction of the Mishkan and its
vessels. Bezalel was to be assisted in this task by Ohaliav. Hashem had gifted both men with wisdom and
understanding concerning all types of workmanship and design.

Once again Hashem spoke to Moshe and reminded him that B’nei Yisrael were to observe the Shabbat during
the construction of the Mishkan and throughout the generations. The Shabbat is a reminder that in six days
Hashem created heaven and earth and on the seventh day He rested.

When B’nei Yisrael saw that Moshe had not come down from Mount Sinai after forty days, they became stricken with fear – they had miscounted. They approached Aharon asking him to make a god for  them. Aharon instructed that they bring to him the women’s jewelry. Aharon made this request since he felt this would delay or even cause a loss of interest in the project. However, jewelry was donated and a golden calf as made. The people worshipped this idol. Hashem was angered and instructed Moshe to return. Moshe was so upset by the people’s actions that he threw the tablets containing the Ten Commandments to the ground.

Moshe begged Hashem to forgive the people for this serious sin. Hashem told Moshe that only those who
willfully sinned would be punished. When B’nei Yisrael heard of Hashem’s anger, they mourned and grieved.

Moshe asked Hashem to forgive and to let him complete his task of leading His people into the Promised Land.

Hashem told Moshe that since He found Moshe to be loyal he would do him a favor and let him continue to try
and be a leader to His people.

Once again, Moshe went up the mountain alone. This time he took with him the new pair of tablets that he was
commanded to make. Once again the tablets were inscribed with the Ten Commandments. After another forty
days and nights Moshe returned to his people.

He relayed the message that Hashem gave him to Aharon, the elders and the whole assembly.

1.    This week’s parsha is Ki Tisa.

2.    Every man above the age of twenty had to give half a shekel.

3.    The commandment of Shabbat is a reminder of the six days of active creation and the seventh day during which Hashem rested

4.    They created a golden calf and worshipped it.

5.    Moshe broke the tablets on which the Ten Commandments were inscribed. He did this when he saw that his people had created an idol.

6.    He made new ones. He brought them up the mountain with him and once again the Commandments were inscribed on them.