Jerusalem Lights Parashat Ki Tisa/Parashat Parah 5781: The False God of Subjectivity

This week's Torah portion of parashat Ki Tisa, which coincides with the additional Torah reading from Num. 19 for 'the Sabbath of the Red Heifer,' features the perplexing, devastating episode of the Golden Calf. How are we to understand such a cataclysmic backsliding, so shortly after the Sinai revelation, when the entire nation had reached such a high level of spiritual perception? How could they have fallen for the lure of idolatry, while still camped at the foot of Mount Sinai? But the deepest truth is that the mistaken 'worship' of the golden calf wasn't really about idolatry, but about a much more subtle, and very human, flaw. There is much more here than meets the eye: a life lesson for all generations in the spiritual damage caused by expectation and preconceived ideas...do we make G-d on our terms, or does He create us, on His terms?
Parashat Ki Tisa (Ex. 30 : 11 - 34 : 35) is read on Shabbat, Parashat Parah ('The Sabbath of the Red Heifer')
Adar 22, 5781/March 6, 2021
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Rabbi Chaim Richman
Jerusalem Lights | Torah for Everyone
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[@CarlJohnson-kk4pr]

AMEINIM AMEINIM AMEINIM AMEINIM AMEINIM AMEINIM AMEINIM AMEINIM HalleluYaH Shalom Blessings Over You and Yours, Rabbi & Good Friend Shalom Chayim

[@user-pd7il3xz5j]

Rabbi Richman, that was so eloquent, significant and deep. I will repeat listening and hearing your shuir. Toda raba. Shabbat Shalom.

[@jerusalemlights-rabbirichman]

Shabbat Shalom!

[@emmanelson2406]

I am learning so much each week as I listen. These are things I never knew

[@user-pd7il3xz5j]

This parsha always makes me feel such unease. Picturing Klal Yisroel involved in the event of the golden calf and the other major avairot that ensued is so distressing. The Leviem, the women, and much of Klal Yisroel did not participate in the avaira, but to this day we feel the shock waves. What we each do, positive or negative, has impact on all. May we find the resolve to choose the proper path of Torah, so we can raise all of humanity up!!

[@loridoldo1289]

Thank you Rabbi . This really has helped explain so much . Shalom

[@csambailey9552]

Thanks for the insight...how quickly we forget ..

[@hankmobley]

Thanks Rabbi , a very clear explanation .

[@Daniel-gq1xy]

Thank you.

[@lisascott2184]

Good!

[@Livingmydreammm]

Thank you 😍😍😍

[@user-pd7il3xz5j]

I notice that you frequently send your note of appreciation and I think that's nice. I aways give you a thumb's up. I'm hoping you'll share your insights too. I get a feeling your thoughts would be worth hearing. If you don't choose to, I'll still give you a thumb's up. 😉

[@chasheyah671]

“Constantly realize that the goal of all knowledge is to know that we don’t know, but only start to know HaShem, beginning all over again, each day.’ I know this is my life. Thank you dear Rabbi. Shabbat Shalom to you and your beautiful family.

[@user-pd7il3xz5j]

Next time send your wonderful comment in earlier so Rabbi Richman can see it!😉

[@Livingmydreammm]

Thank you 😍 😍 😍

[@junerm21]

Some people do not believe in God. Rather, they believe, that they themselves, are incarnations of God. I have met such people throughout my life, but I am different. I have always answered to God and loved God, with all my heart.

[@junerm21]

I think there is a huge difference between the true power of God, versus, the power of everyone else, including rabbis, priests, imams and all other religious people. I agree, however, that purity is important; for both women and men.

[@user-pd7il3xz5j]

It's strange that Klal Yisroel was said to have been chaste while living in Egypt, but here numerous men follow in the way of the Eiruv Rav and succumb to licentiousness. The sages warn us to keep a distance from an evil neighbor.

[@junerm21]

I do not agree with any of this. Sorry, I do not think this way.

[@user-pd7il3xz5j]

Obviously you kept to another faith, but your comment is not specific as to what you disagree with.

[@junerm21]

@@user-pd7il3xz5j If one says that Satan does not exist, then what exactly does exist in the form of Pure Evil? Is that God creating Evil to attempt to annihilate countries off the world map? Is that not Satanic? Is that actually God-like?

[@user-pd7il3xz5j]

@@junerm21 I hope the rabbi will answer you. If not, I'll reply in a couple of days (It's almost Shabbos). BTW, there were many points made in his lecture, but it seems that one aspect doesn't sit well with you. Are you referring to when G-d tells Moshe that he will wipe out Klal Yisroel and start over with Moshe? In the meantime, I hope you have a safe and pleasant weekend.

[@shirleyannelindberg1692]

@@junerm21 The satan is our evil inclination, read the book of Iyyov (job) he is merely a messenger of HaShem, to test mankind - a tool in HaShem’s hand‼️ Isaiah 45:7 I form light and create darkness. I make shalom and create calamity. I, HaShem, do all these things.

[@jerusalemlights-rabbirichman]

Dear June, G-d created man with free choice. This is the constant test in the life of man, therefore man posseses both a good inclination, and an evil inclination. G-d allows man to choose his path without interference. If a man strives for good, G-d helps him to access and accomplish good. Conversely, if a man chooses evil, G-d gives him every opportunity to go in that direction. Torah teaches that there is no Satan forcing a man to do evil, or doing evil himself. Neither can G-d be blamed for man's bad choices. The only evil is that which man chooses.