Ki Tissa- Dvar Torah

Ki Tissa is the paradigm of Tshuva.  One of the greatest conflicts happened in the short history of the Jewish people.  The people went out from Egypt, the then capital of the known world.  It was a cruel society, involved with building monuments to their gods, the Pharoahs and their attendants.  The Jewish people were about to proclaim to the whole world, a message of life. But, sadly, like us all, they made a mistake.  They couldn't rely upon an absent leader. Moshe was called to asend Mr. Sinai.  The people waited.  They waited. and they waited. 38 days, 39 days, when is the 40th day?  Is it in the morning or in the evening?  Nobody knew.  It must have started with one person, and then snowballed.  Soon, they got caught up in the moment and the golden calf was made.

Aaron Hacohen was stunned.  He must have been.  He tried to make them stop, he said, "Tomorrow is a holiday to G-d!" But this was not enough.  The sound of the cries ascended to Moshe and Hashem.  Hashem offers to kill them all, but Moshe in his wisdom gave us the gift of Tshuva.

Returning to Hashem.  He taught us the 13 middot.  El Rachum Hanun . . .   We say these moving words throughout the year, on Yom Kippur and in the Tachnun that is said almost every weekday.  Tshuva is a gift that we can all avail ourselves.

If you feel estranged from Hashem.  remember that you can return, and Hashem will accept your prayers.

Each of us has a midda that can be improved, a mitzvah that we can observe in a better way, lets take upon ourselves, to improve ourselves, quietly,modestly, and hear the still small voice that emanates from Mr. Sinai even now.

Tshuva.  

Rachael Orbach
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