parshat Ki Tisa

why do those who repent fall at the peak of the "radiance"? What brings the Children of Israel to make the golden calf? And what does God expect of us once we become independent?

Originally adapted from Rav Tzvi Yehuda HaKohen Kook's classes, in honor of the 40th anniversary of Rav Tzvi Yehuda's death this week)

Why must there be justice as well as compassion, punishment as well as forgiveness? Why is forgiveness alone not enough?

Our sages teach that Israel only committed the sin of the Golden Calf in order to teach that a community can repent. Only the Teshuva of these unique people can serve as a model for those after them.

Rav Zalman Baruch Melamed explains the relationship between Jews and Gentiles in the era of Mashiach and Gog U'Magog.

Why must there be justice as well as compassion, punishment as well as forgiveness? Why is forgiveness alone not enough?

The sin of the Golden Calf remains one of the great mysteries in the story of the Jewish people throughout the ages.