Click HERE (video) for the Shabbat Sermon Spiritual Angst, Material World Problems, and Recalibrating Redemption: Learning From the Story of the Golden Calf. The Ten Commandments the Mishkan (portable tabernacle) stand in contrast to the object and story of the Golden Calf. In the synagogue, we read this story as one long aliyah. This allows us to focus our minds on both the details and the bigger picture that comes into focus.
Click HERE (video) for Torah study with Rashi on Exodus 30:14, the beginning of Parshat Ki Tisa- Restrictions and Responsibilities: Torah for the Ages. Those who were counted in the census were twenty years and older. The Torah and Rashi’s commentary concentrate us on the questions of age, obligations, and what opportunities are off limits.
Click HERE (video) for Torah study with Rashi on Exodus 32:2 Go for the Gold, Or Not. Rashi’s commentary centers on Aaron’s thoughts and decision regarding the golden calf. We are granted insight into the Israelites’ mindsets, Aaron’s equivocation and Moses’ role in this sinful chapter of our history when we missed the mark.
Click HERE (article) for Rabbi Bolton’s Torah commentary on Ki Tisa in “Table for For Five” that appears in the LA Jewish Week (scroll down for his entry) and on the Accidental Talmudist Website.