What an uplifting week! We learn about some of the purifying utensils used in the tabernacle and we learn about the special gift of Shabbat. We learn about the power of forgiveness and about the second Tablets. So powerful and holy! Even the name of the portion reflects the theme of being uplifted. “Ki Tisa” is generally translated as “When you count,” but Chassidic insight shares another layer of meaning. “Ki Tisa” can also be translated literally as “When you uplift.”
But wait a minute, you say, look again at this Torah portion – it’s not all rosy! I missed a central story, the time when the Jewish people blundered so badly that it is held against them for all time, the worshipping of the Golden Calf! This doesn’t reflect an uplifting or inspiring story.
You are right; the story of the Golden Calf is a painful and low point in our history. At least at first glance; but in the end it’s a net positive. What happened after the sin of the Golden Calf? Hashem granted forgiveness. A second set of Tablets were given. And the Jewish people were stronger because of the experience.
Failure and setbacks are difficult, but it’s important to remember to transform what we’ve learned from them into positive lessons for the future.