Dvar Torah Parashat Ki Tisa / Purim

Dedicated in Honor of my Eshet Chayil Wife, Amy Betesh

By her Husband, Joe and Family

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Parashat Ki Tisa / Purim

The Golden Calf

Moshe Rabbenu had gone up on Har Sinai to receive the tablets. Bnei Yisrael waited eagerly for forty days for their leader to come back. But they miscalculated the time that Moshe was supposed to return and were in a panic that he was late. After just six hours, they approached Aharon to make a golden calf as an intermediary between them and Hashem to replace Moshe.

According to a Gemara in Masechet Sanhedrin (7a), Aharon saw that Bnei Yisrael had killed his nephew Chur for protesting the golden calf. Aharon calculated that if he would protest and they would kill him too, then they would be in violation of the sin of killing a kohen and a navi—prophet in Hashem’s Mishkan, for which they would not be able to do teshuvah. He figured that it would be better to let them build the golden calf, and they could repent.

He tried to drag the process out as much as possible, to stall for time until Moshe returned. Aharon told them “Bring me your wives’ gold jewels.” Aharon assumed correctly that the wives would be reluctant to give up their jewelry, especially for creating a golden calf. For refusing to participate in the golden calf, the women were granted every Rosh Chodesh as a personal holiday, when it’s customary for women to refrain from work and housework.

Don’t Make Decisions When Panicking

How could a nation who was at such a high level, after being saved by Hashem with open miracles and reaching the pinnacle of receiving the Torah, stoop to such a low level where they could erect an idol in the form of the golden calf?

The answer is anxiety. According to Rav Chaim Schmuelevitz, once the people began to worry and had become anxious, the Satan was able to find their weak spot and attack. Rabbi Twersky says that the lesson is not to make any important decisions when you’re in a worried state of mind. Bnei Yisrael let their fears and anxieties take hold of them, and they lost the faith that everything is in Hashem’s control.

Tearing Up the Contract

Moshe finally descended from Har Sinai with the two sapphire tablets in his hands, which were the handiwork of Hashem. The very manner in which the tablets were inscribed were testimony to their Divine origin, because the letters could be read from either side. Additionally, the Hebrew word for “engraved” is charut. According to our rabbis, it can also be read cherut, which means “freedom,” to teach us that the only person who is truly free is one who engages in the study of Torah (Pirke Avot 6:2).

When Moshe reached the bottom of the mountain, he saw with his own eyes how Bnei Yisrael had made a golden calf and begun to worship it. In his anger, he threw down the tablets and shattered them at the foot of the mountain.

Why did Moshe have to shatter the tablets? Chazal explained that breaking the tablets was like tearing up Bnei Yisrael’s ketuvah with Hashem, which actually saved them. Bnei Yisrael was like Hashem’s bride, and making the golden calf was being unfaithful to Him. Because they were unfaithful to Hashem, they deserved to be destroyed. Moshe saved them by throwing down the tablets or tearing up the contract between Bnei Yisrael and Hashem. If there was no contract, they couldn’t have violated it! Although a sin, it was not the ultimate sin, so they were still able to do teshuvah.

The Torah goes on to elaborate, “The Tablets were G-d’s handiwork, and the script was the script of G-d, engraved on the tablets (32:16).” Rabbi Frand points out that when Moshe received the tablets from Hashem, the passuk simply stated “Hashem gave the two Tablets of Testimony, stone tablets inscribed by the finger of G-d (31:18).” Why doesn’t the Torah say much when the tablets were given to Moshe, but then it elaborates when Moshe destroyed them? Rabbi Frand answers that when we have something that’s precious to us, we don’t always appreciate it until we lose it.

Stiff-Necked

In the aftermath of chet ha’egel, Hashem referred to Bnei Yisrael as “Am kesheh oref—a stiff-necked people” in three separate pesukim (32:9, 33:3, 33:5) as His reason to destroy them and make a new nation from Moshe. The term is not one of endearment, it implies the stubbornness of the Jewish people is what led to the sin of the golden calf. However, a chapter later, Moshe uses this same term in his defense of Bnei Yisrael, when he tried to convince Hashem to spare them. “If I have found favor in Your eyes my Master, let my Master go among us, ki am kesheh oref hu—because it is a stiff-necked people, pardon our iniquity and our sins (34:9).” How could a trait that Hashem used as a reason for the sin possibly be used as the reason Moshe begs for the nation’s forgiveness?

Rabbi Scheinbaum explains this in his book Peninim on the Torah. Rav Yisrael Meir Lau, Shlita, clarifies that Moshe turned to Hashem, and said, “Ribono Shel Olam, You are reprimanding the nation because of their stiff-necked nature. Is this really a negative trait? Is this a reason to find them guilty? If anything, this very trait is what distinguishes the Jewish people from the rest of the world.”

‘Stiff-necked’ indicates that they have a backbone, an ability to withstand outside pressure and numerous difficult challenges to their faith. Every nation caved in under various challenges. When any of the others were under the slightest pressure, they wavered and resorted to a swarm of other beliefs, including Islam and Christianity. Why? Because they had no backbone. They were not stiff-necked; they were weak!

Moshe really said, “It’s true, the nation sinned gravely against You. But, because of their strong, stiff-necked nature, they will not only repent, but cling to You, and never renege on their commitment to Hashem.”

Shlomo Werdiger, a businessman with intense yirat shamayim—fear of G-d, relates a time that he was showing a secular family around his office.

Usually, the children would be mesmerized by the design of sports apparel. This family had a son who asked a million questions, but less about sports, and more about how a Jew in the sports apparel business makes it work. He wanted to know if I went to games like the Super Bowl and when he confirmed that I did, he asked if I ate kosher food. Of course, I told him, recalling some of the different venues and events at which our group was accommodated, in terms of kashrut and other relevant halachot. He was fascinated.

A few weeks later, my secretary put through an unfamiliar caller. I took the phone to hear a man saying that I owed him fifty thousand dollars. I wasn’t sure who was speaking and what he meant, so I waited for him to continue. The man identified himself as Jason and explained that his son came by a few weeks ago asking questions about kosher at different stadiums and games, and now, he has a new fixation. He is becoming a bar mitzvah, and he keeps saying, “Mr. Werdiger had kosher food at the Super Bowl and the World Series and the NBA finals…can’t I at least have a kosher bar mitzvah?” Jason explained that he had tried to make his son happy, and a kosher caterer had charged him fifty thousand dollars more than the alternative. I wasn’t sure how serious Jason was, so I told him that it would be an honor for my family to have a share in this incredible merit. We would cover the costs of the kosher caterer.

He laughed and explained that he was a wealthy man. The venue alone is costing him over a million dollars. After a short pause, he lowered his voice. “I just wanted you to know that my son is having a kosher bar mitzvah-” Here, the man’s voice cracked, “and it will be the first kosher affair in my family in generations.”

Shlomo’s unwavering devotion to Hashem’s commandments helped inspire a change in a whole generation. May we all cling tightly and be stubborn for Hashem’s will like Moshe Rabeinu.

Traits are not inherently bad or good. They are just traits; the key is how they are implemented. Moshe turned stubbornness into something that could be used for good things, like clinging to Hashem and staying true to our word when we accepted His Torah.

The True Joy of Purim

Purim is one of the most joyous days of the year, and as kids we learn that that is because of the great miracle that Hashem did for Bnei Yisroel. While that is true and a major part of our celebration, there is a deeper meaning behind the joy of that day.

The Gemara in Masechet Shabbat explains that during the time of the Purim miracle Bnei Yisroel reaffirmed their acceptance of the Torah. The first time they accepted the Torah, Rashi says that Hashem held a mountain over their heads and threatened to destroy them if they did not accept. This time, Bnei Yisroel accepted the Torah out of love without coercion.

Pirkei Avot says, “Mitzvah goreret mitzvah—one mitzvah causes another.” The question arises, is that always true? Unfortunately, many of us know great Torah observers who became irreligious. The Ba’al Shem Tov explains that “Mitzvah goreret mitzvah,” refers to when the mitzvah is done with excitement. The special joy of Purim is the joy of mitzvot because that’s the commemorated day when Klal Yisroel renewed their acceptance out of a place of joy and enthusiasm.

Purim Prayer

Rabbi Joey Haber tells of the time he was on trip in Israel, and he found himself late at night needing to pray arbit. When he stepped into the cab, he noticed that the cab driver insisted on not using the meter and they negotiated a flat rate to the shul. The cab driver explained that he did not want him to rush his prayers to get back to the taxi. Rather, he should take his time to pray properly for the soldiers.

During the car ride he got to know the cab driver, and he found out that the driver had two children on the battle grounds. After praying, Rabbi Haber returned to the taxi and continued his discussion with the driver. At the end of the ride, Rabbi Haber asked for the driver’s sons’ names so he can pray for them. Astonishingly, the driver refused. He said, “All of the soldiers are my children.”

Even in our most difficult times, Bnei Yisroel think beyond themselves and their family. What a special nation we are a part of.

The Tikunei Zohar calls the holiest day of prayer “Yom Ha'Kipurim—a day which is like Purim." We can learn from here that the prayer on Purim is so very powerful. Let us not get swept away with the costumes, mishloach manot and meals and remember to pray on this powerful day for our fellow Jews.

Anyone Who Puts out Their Hand

The Ruzhiner Rebbe ZT”L says we can attain forgiveness on Purim even when we do not do teshuvah—repentance. The Ruzhiner Rebbe’s grandson, Rebbe Yisrael of Tchortkov answers this question by bringing down the Shulchan Aruch. It says that on Purim, “One should not check out people for the charity of Purim. We give to whoever requests (694:3).”

Usually, when people ask for tzedakah we check that they really need it. On Purim “whoever stretches out their hand, we give them.”

On Purim, Hashem acts the same way. Even if we do not deserve atonement, if we ask for forgiveness Hashem will give it.

May we always have faith in Hashem and not chas veshalom panic and make mistakes as Bnei Yisrael did with the golden calf. May we also use all our traits for good and turn stubbornness from a reason to sin, into a reason to cling to Hashem and never waiver from our faith. Let us continue this process and continue to grow and stretch ourselves to do the mitzvot for Hashem like Bnei Yisroel on Purim many years ago. Amen!

Shabbat Shalom and Purim Sameach!

Rabbi Amram Sananes, written by Jack Rahmey

Discussion Points:

Have we ever acted when we were in an agitated state of mind? How did that work out?

Did we ever wait until we calmed down, and then act? Was it worth the wait?

This book is a compilation of Divre Torah from the weekly parasha classes from Rabbi Sananes’ teachings over the last 10 years along with my own experiences in those classes which has stimulated my Torah growth. I’ve included many pertinent stories and life lessons to grow from at your Shabbat table. There’s also questions and discussion points at the end of each Parasha to stimulate a Torah conversation at your Shabbat table for the whole family to participate in. Also, included is a holidays section at the end of the book to use for all of our special holidays and Yomiim Toviim.



Now available in all Jewish bookstores and Amazon!

I and Rabbi Sananes look forward to hearing your feedback.

Sincerely, Jack E. Rahmey and Rabbi Amram Sananes jrahmey@rahmeyfinancial.com (917-226-6276) and AmramSanases@me.com

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Le’ilui Nishmat…

Eliyahu Ben Rachel

Rabbi Shimon Chay Ben Yaasher

Avraham Ben Garaz

Sarah Bat Chanah

Esther Bat Sarah

Avraham Ben Mazal

Shulamit Bat Helaina

Rabbi Meyer Ben Chana

Rahamim Ben Mazal

Batsheva Bat Sarah Esther

Rafael Ben Miriam

Ovadia Ben Esther

Rav Haim Ben Rivka

Moshe Ben Mazal

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Yitzchak Ben Adele

Avraham Ben Mazal

Meir Ben Latifa

Chanah Bat Esther

Yaakov Ben Rachel

Malka Bat Garaz

Moshe Ben Garaz

Avraham Ben Kami

Yaakov Ben Leah

Mordechai Ben Rachel

Chacham Shaul Rachamim Ben Mazal

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Esther Bat Menucha

Uri Ben Rahel

Rivka Bat Dona

Shalom Ben Zahra

Rachel Bat Sarah

Shalom Ben Zahra

Chava Yvette Bat Jamile

Refuah Shelemah…

Rachel Bat Devorah

Anyone interested in dedicating this Divre Torah Le'ilui Nishmat or Refuah Shelemah or In Honor of someone, can email me at jrahmey@rahmeyfinancial.com. Checks can be made out to “A Life of Torah” for $101 and mailed to 2387 Ocean Ave Suite 1G, Brooklyn, NY 11229 (please put in the memo “Divre Torah”). Anyone interested in past parshiot please go to the website ParashaPerspective.org