TORAH STUDIES: LINKING SCRIPTURES

TORAH WEEK 21 KI TISA

21 - Torah Portion: Ki Tisa ("When You Take") כִּי תִשָּׂא

Portion Summary:
Ki Tisa, the twenty-first reading from the Torah, means "when you lift up," referring to the opening words of the portion. It comes from the verse, "When you lift up the head of the sons of Israel to reckon them" (Exodus 30:12). This idiom indicates taking a head count or census.

The portion begins with instructions for a census, completes the instructions for building the Tabernacle, reiterates the commandment of Shabbat, and tells the story of the golden calf. Most of Ki Tisa addresses the sin of the golden calf, the breach in the covenant, and Moses' efforts to restore that covenant relationship between YHVH and Israel.

MAJOR THEMES AND REFLECTIONS:
Obedience and Faithfulness: This portion stresses the importance of adhering to YHVH's commandments. The golden calf incident reveals the dangers of idolatry and impatience in worship, underscoring the need for consistent faithfulness.
Separation from Worldly Values: The importance of remaining distinct and avoiding spiritual "adultery" is emphasized. Following worldly values puts one at enmity with YHVH, as seen in the Israelites' lapse into idolatry.
YHVH's Mercy and Forgiveness: Despite the people's transgressions, YHVH shows compassion, renewing His covenant and revealing His nature as gracious, merciful, and forgiving.
The Role of Leadership and Intercession: Moses' intercession for Israel demonstrates the role of leadership in advocating for the people and bridging the relationship between YHVH and His people. His willingness to take on Israel's guilt highlights his selfless dedication.
Idolatry as Spiritual Adultery: Idolatry, in both literal and figurative forms, is seen as a breach of trust with YHVH. The golden calf episode serves as a warning of the spiritual and moral dangers associated with idolatry.
The Consequences of Rebellion: Scripture and apocryphal texts outline the effects of rebellion, portraying idolatry as a pathway to moral corruption and spiritual blindness.

TORAH:
Exodus 30-31: Instructions for the Altar of Incense, anointing oil, incense, and the contributions for the Tabernacle. Appointment of Bezalel and Oholiab to oversee the Tabernacle's construction.
Exodus 32: The golden calf incident, where Israel falls into idolatry. Moses intercedes, and the covenant is temporarily broken.
Exodus 33: Moses' plea to see YHVH's glory, YHVH's promise to be with Israel.
Exodus 34: Renewal of the covenant, with YHVH giving new tablets of the Law, emphasizing His character as merciful and gracious.
Deuteronomy 6:4-9 - The Shema, declaring the oneness of YHVH and calling Israel to love Him with all their heart, soul, and might. Instructions to teach this to future generations.
Deuteronomy 33:8-11 - Moses' blessings on the tribes of Israel, specifically the tribe of Levi, who is given the priestly role.
Exodus 13:8-9: Reminder to keep the Passover as a sign and remembrance of deliverance from Egypt.
Exodus 12:13: Blood of the Passover lamb as protection for Israel.
Exodus 19:5-6: Israel is called to be a kingdom of priests, a holy nation.

TARGUMS:
Exodus 31:13, 17-18 - Observance of the Sabbath as a sign between YHVH and Israel, emphasizing rest and holiness.
Exodus 32:1-6 - The people's idolatrous worship of the golden calf while Moses is on Mount Sinai.
Exodus 32:24-25 - Aaron's involvement in the golden calf incident and the people's unrestrained behavior.
Exodus 32:32-35 - Moses intercedes on behalf of Israel, willing to be blotted out for their sins.
Exodus 33:9; 33:20-22 - Moses' encounters with YHVH's glory; Moses' request to see YHVH's presence.
Exodus 34:5-9 - YHVH reveals His character (merciful, gracious, forgiving), renewing His covenant with Israel.