The Parsha this week seems to start out with a simple instruction to take a census of the Israelites over the age of 20...
The Parsha this week seems to start out with a simple instruction to take a census of the Israelites over the age of 20 (to serve in the army?). Ki Tissa, first of all, does not mean “take a census.” It means to “lift up“ one's self to be counted by giving atonement for wrongdoing! Each person is instructed to give a half shekel as an offering. The sages asked, why a half shekel? A response was that it takes another person to make a whole shekel, or to make one whole. Atonement doesn’t work unless it is done with another, or with others. Also, everyone, rich or poor, gives the same half shekel.
The Parsha, then, gets even more complex. We briefly revisit the building of the Mishkan and, then, are confused by Moses coming down the mountain with the Tablets for the second time! What’s going on? Some scholars offer that this is another story about the Giving of the Torah with a different emphasis. What makes this story unique is the focus on a people that is impatient and anxious about their future.
In the first Sinai story there is little known about the feelings of the people. In Ki Tissa there is so much more about people. This is the Parsha where we learn of the building of the Golden Calf. We also witness the attempts by Aaron to manage the people during this crisis. We see how Moses and God argue over whether or not to continue the whole enterprise. After much struggle, diplomacy and compromise, there are extraordinary changes and acts of reconciliation and forgiveness.
Today is Purim Katan, the Minor Purim. Next month, in the second month of Adar we will, hopefully, celebrate the Major Purim with joy, light and gladness. The Shulchan Aruch, a code of Jewish practice, suggests that we have a special meal today and do something joyful for ourselves and with others.
We may also hope that the Golden Calves of scorn, greed, hatred and war be erased from our midst.
With Great ADARation,
Reb David