Parashat Ki Tisa: Panic and Innovation

Finding Divine Guidance in Challenging Times

Good morning, everyone. In these somewhat confusing times, following the uplifting message of Purim and the revelation of Hashem even amidst Hester Panim (hiddenness), we must continue to internalize a fundamental truth: Hashem is running the world. He speaks to us in countless ways, and we need only open our eyes to understand what He expects from us.

This week's Parasha, Ki Tisa, a prelude to a very serious event in Jewish history, begins with the mitzvah of Machatzit HaShekel (the half-shekel donation). As the Midrash beautifully explains, this mitzvah – which could have been included earlier with other donations for the Mishkan – is strategically placed here to emphasize the crucial importance of unity (achdut) within Am Yisrael. By each giving a half, we come together, strengthening the very foundation of our existence.

The Root of Sin: Lack of Unity

What truly caused the catastrophic Chet HaEgel (Sin of the Golden Calf)? It was a profound lack of unity. Divisions, divergences of opinion, and internal squabbles paved the way for this monumental error. When there is division, mistakes are inevitable. Hashem, in His infinite wisdom, always provides the remedies before the catastrophes. Refuah Kodem LeMakah – the healing comes before the wound. To prevent misfortunes like the Golden Calf, the only path is to strengthen our unity, understanding that by giving and helping each other, we safeguard our very lives.

Rav Shmuel Rodzkin, the Rosh Yeshiva in Telz many decades ago, tells a poignant story about his father-in-law, Rabbi Chaim Yaakov Goldvicht, also a Rosh Yeshiva in Telz before the war. Rabbi Goldvicht, after his marriage, lived with his in-laws, as was the custom for scholars who were supported by their wives' families. As their family grew and finances became tighter, his mother-in-law complained about the strain. When Rabbi Goldvicht received an offer to serve as a rabbi in a nearby town, she was ecstatic, urging him to accept.

However, her husband firmly refused. When his wife pressed him, highlighting their financial struggles and the children's needs, he replied with a profound question: "Mei Odermei Marziket Mei?" – "Who knows who is supporting whom?" He questioned whether they were truly supporting their son-in-law with food and shelter, or if it was he who was supporting them through the merit of his Torah study.

As we often say, "Torah is a source of life for those who support it" (Chaim Hi LaMachzikim Bah). This isn't just about those who learn Torah, but also those who support its study financially and logistically. Their merit is equally great.

The story continues with two more offers for Rabbi Goldvicht, each time with the mother-in-law insisting he leave. The third offer, from a larger town, was significant. Despite his hesitation, they decided to accept. The morning Rabbi Goldvicht and his family left, his father-in-law, returning from shul, slipped at his doorstep, sustaining fatal injuries. He died a day later. At the funeral, his wife cried, pleading for forgiveness, believing she had caused his death by urging their children to leave. This story offers powerful food for thought on the unseen merits that sustain us.

The Causes of Chet HaEgel: Panic and New Paths

The Chet HaEgel is a sin that has reverberated through generations, as Hashem says He will collect for it in every era. What truly caused this terrible sin among a generation that had witnessed the Divine Revelation at Har Sinai?

Rashi explains that they miscalculated Moshe Rabbeinu's return. They expected him on the 40th day, but he was due the following day. When dark clouds appeared and Satan created the illusion of a coffin, panic set in. They questioned how a human could survive 40 days without food or water in heaven, concluding they had been lied to and Moshe was dead. Hur, Miriam's son, tried to intervene but was killed. Aharon, seeing this, understood he had no choice but to stall for time, knowing Moshe would return.

This "panic" – stemming from self-doubt, confusion, and the influence of the Erev Rav (the mixed multitude of Egyptian converts who harbored second thoughts about their conversion) – fueled the desire for an idol. Rumors spread like wildfire. Though only a minority (about 3,000) actively participated, the majority remained indifferent instead of standing together in unity. When panic, confusion, and a lack of calm, reflective thought (Yehudat HaDa'at) prevail, mistakes occur. Aharon's suggestion to postpone the festival until "tomorrow" (Chag LaHashem Machar) was an attempt to allow the panic to dissipate overnight, hoping for clarity to return.

A second cause for the Chet HaEgel was a desire for "new ways to serve Hashem." They declared, "Eleh Elokecha Yisrael" – "These are your gods, O Israel!" Rashi tells us they sought many forms of divinity, craving a new leadership and a "concrete form of service" reminiscent of the animal deities they had seen in Egypt. As the Ramban explains, they had seen the Heavenly Throne surrounded by four figures, one of which was a bull, and perhaps sought to embody this vision concretely. However, Hashem explicitly commands: "Lo Yiheye Lecha Elohim Acheirim Al Panai" – "You shall have no other gods before Me." We are not to seek new forms of worship or reinterpret Hashem's commands to fit modern conveniences or technological advancements. We must serve Hashem only according to His ordained ways.

Moshe's Actions and Hashem's Hidden Messages

When Moshe Rabbeinu descended from Har Sinai and broke the tablets (Luchot), many wonder why he destroyed something so precious. One explanation is that when Hashem told him, "Lech Red Ki Shichet Ata Amcha" – "Go down, for your nation has become corrupt," Moshe couldn't believe it. He remembered them with two crowns on their heads, having declared Na'aseh V'Nishma. He took the Luchot down with him, needing to see to believe. When he witnessed their joyous dancing around the idol, he realized the depth of their decadence. He broke the Luchot to shock them into awareness, believing it was the only way to awaken them.

In times of despair, like Moshe's intercession for Am Yisrael, tefilah (prayer) is everything. It is our ultimate recourse. In these challenging days, our tefilot are paramount. While prevention measures like vaccines and isolation are necessary ("V'Nishmartem Me'od LeNafshoteichem", "Guard your souls carefully"), we must never cease praying, understanding that ultimately, healing comes from Hashem.

Moshe questioned Hashem about the world's perplexing ups and downs, the suffering, and the seeming contradictions of history: "Havenei Na Et Darkecha" – "Show me now Your way." Hashem replied, "Lo Yeira Ani HaAdam Pachad" – "No human can see My face." However, Hashem added, "You will see Me from behind." This means we cannot grasp the full picture from the outset. Like a boat that leaves a wake, the waves reveal its size and power after it has passed. Similarly, Hashem's messages are hidden, often understood only in retrospect. We must daven and strive to discern what Hashem wants from us. Perhaps the current global isolation is a call for introspection, an improvement of ourselves, and a rectification of Machloket (dispute) and Sinat Chinam (baseless hatred), reminiscent of the metzora who was isolated to reflect and understand the importance of unity.

The Shine of Torah and the Power of Mitzvot

When Moshe descended from Har Sinai, his face shone with an incredible heavenly light: "Ki Karan Or Panav" – "For the skin of his face sent forth rays." The Midrash offers various reasons for this radiance:

• The sweat from his intense 40-day toil in Torah study.

• The contact with Hashem's hand when Hashem covered his eyes in the cave.

• Perhaps most beautifully, it was from the leftover ink when he wrote the Torah, specifically the small aleph in Vayikra. Not wanting to waste holy ink, he rubbed it on his forehead, desiring continuous contact with holiness. This teaches that toiling in Torah and clinging to its essence bestows special beauty and a spiritual shine.

I'll conclude with a heartwarming story from a Rosh Yeshiva in Eretz Yisrael. He desperately needed $35,000 for a Yeshiva building. He wrote to an American grant-giving organization and, unexpectedly, received a letter inviting him to their Chicago office for the funds. Ecstatic, he booked a flight with a stopover in Paris.

During his layover, he decided to daven at a local shul. Upon arrival, a man greeted him, stating he needed a minyan for his father's Yahrtzeit. The Rosh Yeshiva agreed, but as time passed and others failed to appear, he became anxious about missing his flight. The man, however, emphasized the importance of the Yahrtzeit and a minyan. Despite his growing panic, the Rosh Yeshiva reluctantly waited. Eventually, a minyan was gathered, but the delay meant he missed his flight.

Devastated, he returned to the shul to learn while awaiting his next flight. There, he encountered the Yahrtzeit observer again, recognizing him as one of France's wealthiest philanthropists. The Rosh Yeshiva, having nothing to lose, shared his predicament. Deeply touched, the man wrote him a check for $70,000, doubling the amount he had hoped for!

Later, when the Rosh Yeshiva finally reached Chicago and called the grant office, he was told his meeting had been canceled. They would mail him the original $35,000 check. This story beautifully illustrates the principle: "Mitzvah Gorreret Mitzvah" – "One mitzvah brings another." Doing good and being positive truly brings immense benefit.

Have a wonderful, wonderful Shabbos. May we hear only good news and see improvements everywhere in the world until next week, as we continue preparing ourselves for Pesach and the imminent arrival of Mashiach, bimheira b'yameinu – speedily in our days!