In a parsha packed with major, memorable events, I decided to go the other way and look for the small details to highlight. That's not to say, of course, that there isn't more to learn and explore about Bezalel, or the sin of the golden calf, or the breaking of the tablets, or the 13 attributes of God, or, or, or....Rather I was in the mood to highlight details that I have overlooked in the past, figuring others might have too.
Detail #1 - when Moshe returns to the people and sees the Golden Calf he is very upset. Aaron justifies his actions of making the calf by explaining that the people are "bent on evil" and made him do it. Then...
Moses saw that the people were out of control—since Aaron had let them get out of control—so that they were a menace to any who might oppose them. Moses stood up in the gate of the camp and said, “Whoever is for יהוה, come here!” And all the men of Levi rallied to him. He said to them, “Thus says יהוה, the God of Israel: Each of you put sword on thigh, go back and forth from gate to gate throughout the camp, and slay sibling, neighbor, and kin.” (Shemot 32: 25-27)
Moshe recognizes the intensity of potential opposition from the idol worshipers and knows that he needs more than just him to put an end to this situation. He calls out for help and it is the tribe of Levi who replies. Several commentators note that this tribe is Moshe's family, so that may explain the quick answer to Moshe's call. Others suggest that they never took part in the worship of the Golden Calf so they were ready to put an end to it. There are also some who point out that
the Levites have a special role in serving God with the Tabernacle (though some say their position is the reason they chose to help destroy the idol worshippers and others say that choosing to help
end the idol worship is why they were chosen to be priestly group in the first place. Since this story may be out of place chronologically, either answer could work.) I was struck by a comment in the Etz Chayim chumash that pointed out that it was Levi who took to the sword to destory Shechem in his righteous indignation at the treatment of his sister, Dina. Now, it is his ancestors who quickly take to the sword. However, one major difference is here they are being directed by their leader vs. taking matters into their own hands. They first declared their allegiance to God and then were instructed to let the violence flow. To highlight this moment for the Shabbat table, I want to make something that looks like a sword. I'm planning grilled or broiled zucchini skewers.
Detail #2 - When Moshe comes down from 40 days and nights on Har Sinai with the 2 tablets, the skin on his face was radiant. The hebrew description, קָרַ֛ן ע֥וֹר, is the source of confusion about Jews having horns because it is similar to קרנים “horns”. Most translations use rays of light instead. Here's the detail I didn't remember - the Israelites are scared by this radiance - maybe it's too much for them as it is reflective of God, maybe it's just too different, but Moshe is conscious of it and accomodates by wearing a veil or mask. When he's imparting the word of God or speaking with God he removes it, but then he puts it back on to hide the radiance and light from the Israelites.
And when Moses had finished speaking with them, he put a veil over his face. Whenever Moses went in before יהוה to converse, he would leave the veil off until he came out; and when he came out and told the Israelites what he had been commanded,
the Israelites would see how radiant the skin of Moses’ face was. Moses would then put the veil back over his face until he went in to speak with God. (Shemot 34:33-35)
What to make to highlight this veil/mask that hides the radiance - Blackout Cake, of course.
Shabbat Shalom & B'Tayavon!
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