Parasha Ki Tisa

par le Rav Raphaël Benizri

Parasha Ki Tisa (כי תשא) — Shemot 30:11 – 34:35. Read on Shabbat, February 27, 2027.

Summary of Parasha Ki Tisa

G-d commands that every man included in the census give half a shekel — the rich no more, the poor no less. He prescribes the copper laver for the kohanim’s ablutions, the anointing oil and the incense. Betzalel, of the tribe of Yehudah, and Oholiav are appointed to carry out the work of the Sanctuary. Shabbat is reaffirmed as an everlasting sign between G-d and the children of Israel. G-d gives Moshe the two Tablets of the Testimony. Meanwhile the people, seeing that Moshe is slow to come down, gather around Aharon; a golden calf is fashioned and celebrated. G-d informs Moshe, who pleads on the people’s behalf. On his way down, Moshe sees the calf and the dancing, and shatters the Tablets. He destroys the calf; the sons of Levi rally to his side against the offenders. Moshe intercedes once more for the people. He pitches the Tent of Meeting outside the camp. He asks G-d to make His ways known to him and to see His glory; G-d places him in a cleft of the rock. Moshe hews two new Tablets and goes back up the mountain; G-d proclaims the Thirteen Attributes of Mercy. The covenant is renewed, with commandments concerning idolatry and the festivals. Moshe comes down, the skin of his face radiant, and covers himself with a veil when he is not speaking to the people.