Living Torah Archives

G-d’s presence didn’t rest in the Tabernacle until they offered atonement for the Golden Calf. Now, the Golden Calf didn’t deny G-d’s existence; it merely rejected the idea that a person could relate to G-d directly.

Even after a week of consecration for the Holy Tabernacle, the Jews still did not merit for G-d Himself to consecrate the Tabernacle. Only when Aaron brought his sacrifice on the eighth day, did G-d finally manifest His awesome Glory. The sages teach: “Be a student of Aaron: love peace, pursue peace, love all creatures, and bring them close to Torah.” These virtues of Aaron accomplished more than all the Seven Days of Consecration.