Summary of parashat Ki Tisa
The people of Israel are commanded to contribute half a shekel of silver each for the Sanctuary. Instructions are also given for constructing the Kior, a large water vessel for the Sanctuary, along with the anointing oil and incense. The skilled craftsmen Bezalel and Ahaliab are put in charge of the Sanctuary's construction; the people are again commanded to observe Shabbat.
When Moses did not return from Mount Sinai at the expected time, the people made a Golden Calf and worshipped it. God intended to destroy the wayward nation of Israel, but Moses interceded for them. Moses descended the mountain carrying the Tablets of the Testimony inscribed with the Ten Commandments; seeing the people dancing around their idol, he broke the Tablets, destroyed the Golden Calf, and ordered the execution of the main leaders of the rebellion against God. Then he turned to God and said, “If you do not forgive them, blot me out of Your book that You have written.”
God forgives, but says that the effects of sin will be felt for many generations. First, God proposes sending His angel to guide the people, but Moses insists that God Himself accompany them to the Promised Land.
Moses prepares a new set of tablets and ascends the mountain once more, where God re-inscribes the covenant on these Second Tablets. On the mountain, Moses is graced with the vision of the Thirteen Divine Attributes of Mercy. So radiant is Moses' face upon his return from the mountain that he must cover it with a veil, which he removes only when speaking with God and when teaching the law to the people.
