When surrounded by negative hype and hoopla, it’s hard to avoid being influenced. What enabled the Jewish women to be immune to the propaganda surrounding the sin of the golden calf?

The men bought into it. They scrambled to donate gold to create a golden calf to replace their leader Moses. After years of witnessing the serving of foreign gods in Egypt, the Jewish men were induced to engage in idol-worship at the first opportunity that presented itself.

Women have an unwavering faith in one G‑d. And they are more likely to hold strong to that faith, even during trying times. It was this absolute faith that enabled them to withstand the test and not fall into the trap of worshipping the golden calf.

Thoughtstream: Today, I will tap into my faith, and will not be swayed by the whims of society.

(Adapted from Torat Menachem 5746, vol. 3, p. 442, and Sichot Kodesh 5731, vol. 2, pp. 312–313.)