Ki Tisa
Parshat Ki Tisa
In this morning’s portion we are presented with the final preparations for the mishkan - the portable tabernacle. One would think we would then read about how the people, with complete loyalty and devotion, began worshipping God in the mishkan. That however is not the case. In fact we read how the people sin by demanding Aaron to build a golden calf.
First Aliyah Exodus chapter 30:11-31:17 pp. 523-529
When a census is taken, the people have to give a half shekel to the sanctuary. The laver for washing hands and feet in the sanctuary is specified and the anointing oil. Bezalel is chosen to build all the vessels and design the work for the mishkan. Finally, the people are commanded to observe the Sabbath.
Second Aliyah 31:18-33:11 pp. 529-538
All this time Moses has been on Mt. Sinai. The people see that he isn’t coming down so they ask Aaron to build a god to replace Moses. God tells Moses what the people have done and God plans to smite them. Moses begs God not to. Moses comes down the mountain and smashes the two tablets in his hands. He then beats the calf into powder, mixes it with water, and forces the people to drink it. Moses then asks who is on God’s side. Only the Levites answer positively and they are told to kill their fellow Israelites. Three thousand are killed. Despite this event Moses decides to ask forgiveness for the people.
Third Aliyah 33:12-16 pp. 538-539
Moses asks God to see God’s face.
Fourth Aliyah - 33:17-23 pp. 539-540
God tells Moses that no one can see God’s face and live. God, though, tells Moses to hide by a rock and stay while God passes by. God will only permit Moses to see His back.
Fifth Aliyah - 34:1-9 pp. 540-542
God tells Moses to climb Mt. Sinai again and make another set of tablets. We are also told about the 13 attributes of God - merciful, gracious, long-suffering, etc.
Sixth Aliyah - 34:10-26 pp. 542-544
God reminds the people of all the laws, especially how they are to remain loyal to God.
Seventh Aliyah - 34:27-35 pp. 544-546
Moses descends Mt. Sinai and the people see that his face radiates light. While in front of the people he has to wear a veil.
Maftir – 34:33-35 p. 368
Haftorah – I Kings 18:1-39 pp. 548-551
In the time of Elijah the prophet, the people had become idolatrous – even the king of Israel was worshipping the Canaanite god, Ba’al. Elijah decides to show the power of God once and for all. Two altars are arranged on Mt. Carmel and Elijah challenges the Ba’al priests to cause Ba’al to consume the sacrifice on his own. When nothing happens, Elijah pours water on the altar of God. God miraculously consumes the sacrifice. All the people on the mountain proclaim the Lord is God.10881 Lockwood Drive, Silver Spring, MD 20901 P: (301) 593-3410 F: (301) 593-0280
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