YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Shmot
- Ki Tisa
But could there be another reason for the census appearing in this Parsha?
4 times within 5 P’sukim the word "Kofer," or "Kapara" is used. The usual translation of this word is "atonement," suggesting that by joining in a community-wide effort to maintain the Mishkan, we would be forgiven for our sins. Fair enough.
But I want to suggest that these donations are also directly linked to the sin of the Egel Zahav. The root KFR can also mean rejection, or denial of Hashem, as in "Kefira," When we chose to worship a calf – a symbol of idolatry that we knew from our days in Egypt – we were insolently insulting G-d, & so we were in dire need of saving our souls.
But why did we do it?! Why, so soon after the Exodus & Ma’amad Har Sinai, just when Moshe was bringing down the Luchot, did we have the Chutzpah to proclaim that an inanimate object was a replacement for the living G-d?
The incident of the Calf begins, "And it was when Moshe delayed his descent from the mountain…" The unusual word used here for "delayed" (the only time it appears in the Torah!) is "Boshesh." It clearly connects to "busha," or shame. The nation was so ashamed of itself & unsure of its own merit, so sure that they needed an intermediary to reach Hashem, that they freaked out when Moshe seemed to be late, & frantically created a demi-god to take Moshe’s place.
The way to restore the people’s confidence in themselves was to count them, to indicate that each & every person is valuable & counts in G-d’s eyes. The strange term the Torah uses here for counting, "Ki Tisa" - to "lift up" (the heads of the people) sends the image that we can all hold our heads up high, knowing that Hashem loves & wants us. And the fact that money is involved pits our silver against the calf’s gold & thus we are "makdim refua l’maka," we administer the antidote prior to the ailment - just as we are doing regarding Haman's payment.
So, people of Israel, hold your heads up high, don’t lose faith in yourself & don’t be "cowed" by others. Remember: YOU are golden - Hashem loves you – and you count!
Rabbi Stewart Weiss
Was ordained at the Hebrew Theological College in Skokie, Illinois, and led congregations in Chicago and Dallas prior to making Aliyah in 1992. He directs the Jewish Outreach Center in Ra'anana, helping to facilitate the spiritual absorption of new olim.
Jewish Laws and Thoughts Shul “etiquette:” can we honor Hashem while respecting our fellow congregants?
Chemdat Yamim The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
fast navigation
Shoftim TESHUVA IN COURT OF LAW?
Parshat Shoftim-Chodesh Elul
Why does parshat Shoftim always come out during Elul? This innovative and central explanation is an eye-opener regarding many aspects of Judaism.
The Month of Elul TESHUVA IS THE ANSWER
The month of Elul serves as a vital time for self-reflection and personal accountability to prepare for true repentance.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Chemdat Yamim The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Re'e NEVER EXTREME EXCEPT ISRAEL
Parshat Re'eh
Judaism is against extremism, so how can we understand the seemingly extreme statements found in our sages in favor of living in the Land of Israel and against living in Chutz laAretz? The article deals with the seeming contradiction between the strength of Free-Will and the strength of being influenced by our surroundings.
Ekev DANCE FOR ISRAEL- FOR YOUR BENEFIT
Parshat Eikev
Description: The 7 Haftarot we read after Tisha B'Av ("Shiva D'Nichemta") surely get us excited that they're coming TRUE, and awaken us to yearn, dance & join the return to Zion! The short article also deals with the problems and solutions facing the American Jewish community as discussed at a recent panel, as well as the question why Jews come from America to Israel to help when we face problems, but Israelis don't come to aid Jews in America when they face anti-Semitism.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
