Parshah (Weekly Torah Reading)

After the collapse of all boundaries at the Golden Calf, Ki Tissa offers an ancient 'Source Code' for a moral society—and a warning about what happens when humans become interchangeable with machines.

What is the connection between the half-shekel donation and the Kiyor?

Life Lessons From the Parshah - Ki Tisa

The Jewish people could be just as stiff-necked in their loyalty to G‑d as they were in their disobedience.

How the golden calf brought the giving of the Torah to completion. (Based on Likkutei Sichos vol. 16 Ki Tisa)

Introduction The Torah reading begins with the command to give a half-shekel, as it is written, Shmos 30:12-13. “Let each one give to G‑d an atonement for his soul…. This is what all... should give: a half-shekel.” Our Sages Bamidbar Rabbah 12:3, also cit...

Introduction This week’s Torah reading includes the commandment to make the Basin from which the kohanim would wash their hands and feet before beginning their service in the Sanctuary. There are several puzzling factors related to the Basin: Firstly, all...

Introduction The sichah to follow was delivered in 1957, and its words will resonate with anyone familiar with the state of American Jewry at that time. Then, Orthodoxy was on the defensive. Rabbis who were observant in their own personal lives were takin...