Ki Tisa:

Exodus 30:11-34:35

OVERVIEW

Moses conducts a census by counting each silver half-shekel donated by all men, age twenty and over. Moses is commanded to make a copper laver for the Mishkan. The women donate the necessary metal. The formula of the anointing oil is specified, and Hashem instructs Moses to use this oil only for dedicating the Mishkan, its vessels, and Aaron and his sons. Hashem selects Betzalel and Oholiav to be the master craftsmen for the Mishkan and its vessels. The Jewish People are commanded to keep the Sabbath as an eternal sign that Hashem made the world. Moses receives the two Tablets of Testimony on which are written the Ten Commandments. The mixed multitude who left Egypt with the Jewish People panic when Moses's descent seems delayed, and force Aaron to make a golden calf for them to worship. Aaron stalls and tries to delay them. Hashem tells Moses to return to the people immediately, threatening to destroy everyone and build a new nation from Moses. When Moses sees the spree of idol-worship, he smashes the tablets, and destroys the golden calf. The tribe of Levi volunteer to punish the transgressors, executing 3,000 men. Moses ascends the mountain to pray for forgiveness for the people, and Hashem accepts his prayer. Moses sets up the Mishkan, and Hashem's cloud of glory returns. Moses asks Hashem to show him the rules by which He conducts the world, but is granted only a small portion of this request. Hashem tells Moses to hew new tablets, and reveals to him the text of the prayer that will invoke His mercy. Idol worship, intermarriage, and the combination of milk and meat are prohibited. The laws of Pesach, the first-born, the first-fruits, Shabbos, Shavuos and Succos are taught. When Moses descends with the second set of tablets, his face is luminous as a result of contact with the Divine.

Overview courtesy of Rabbis Newman and Sinclair, Ohr Somayach