Parashat Ki Tissah (Exodus 30:10 - 34:35)

A weekly Torah exploration for families by Michael S. Raileanu, M.A.Ed.

A weekly Torah exploration for families by Michael S. Raileanu, M.A.Ed.

Happy, happy Purim! Well, we move on to Parashat Ki Tissah (Exodus 30:10 - 34:35). We've got a census of the Israelites, we've got the beginning of building of the tabernacle, Aaron and the boys are ready to take over, oh, and there is the whole Golden Calf thing!

Why are we counting the Israelites again? Tell me again, who gets counted? If we're not counting everyone, and we'e not, what do we do about those who don't get counted? Why might we need to know who they are? When might we need to know how many of them there are out there?
Welcome back to Bezalel and Oholiab. Tell me who are they again? What is so special about Bezalel? Who is he related to? What is their job?
The reminder about building the tabernacle is followed immediately by a quick discussion about keeping the laws of Shabbat. Why does God put that here? Do you think the Israelites would be so zealous about building the tabernacle that they might work on the Shab? Would you? Do you know anyone who works 24/7? What is their life like? What's the advantage of taking some time of every once in a while?
Moshe is up on the mountain for a long time. The people grow impatient and build the Golden Calf (boo hiss!). What do you think about that? How patient or impatient are you?
The rabbis teach us that Aaron was an unwilling participant in this whole deal. Why would he do it? What is his role amongst the people? Why would they turn to him at a time like this? Who else would be able to lead them? If you were in Aaron's place what would you have done?