Friday February 28,1997                      Erev Shabbat Adar I  21, 5757

Ki Tisah (Exodus 30:11-34:35)

Something to think about:

	This week's Parsha reverts back to the Revelation at Sinai. 
While Moses is receiving the law, many of the people panicked and turned
to idolatry.  They created and served a golden calf.  This national sin is
considered to have continuous impact on us.  After shattering the first
set of "Two Tablets" (which is worth its own essay), Moshe is desperate
to seek forgiveness for us from G-d. 

"Please G-d, this nation has sinned an extremely enormous sin" (32:31)  It
is strange that Moses, who in his career constantly strives to protect his
people, now seems to magnify our sin before Hashem.  Shouldn't he be
trying to play it down? 

	Rabbi Israel 'Baal Shem Tov' (founder of the Hassidic movement)
explains the role of Moses [and a lesson for our generation] with a
parable: 

	There was once a very mischievous child who would often perform
terrible pranks and would be soundly punished by his teacher.  One of
these pranks resulted in the child falling, suffering severe damage.  The
parent who witnessed this ran yelling, "Now is not the time to punish him,
rather he needs to be healed, bring a doctor." 

	Moses heads off any accusation against Israel, "The people have
sinned terribly. They have caused themselves grievous damage.  Hashem, the
first priority is to heal them.  Show me how to mend the gaping wound in
their relationship with you."

	In our own lives there are times that we are faced with personal
loss or tragedy.  Often we jump to "crime and punishment", seeking out
whom to blame and whom to punish.  Moses teaches us to heal the patient
first.  Then perhaps there may even be no reason to punish. 

	Our communities certainly can benefit from more healing and less
punishing.  Our traditions offer us volumes of spiritual salves and
bandages.  This week's Parsha and Moshe are telling us that it's time to
use them.