February 16, 2022
In this week’s Torah portion, Ki Tissa, we confront again, as we do each year, the story of the Golden Calf. The narrative carries a particular perspective–that the people have supremely disappointed God who wants to destroy the errant nation. Moses, also deeply upset, is at least willing to intercede and prevent this destruction.
Rabbi Rachel Barenblatt offers an alternative perspective–the emotional landscape of the people themselves. Consider her words as we turn again to this evocative story:
THE OTHER SIDE OF THE STORY
Already so many changes.
Our long column of refugees
snaking into the wilderness.
Through the sandal-sucking mud
where the waters had been.
Their men and horses consumed.
And then that Voice
speaking directly into us,
reverberating in our chests...!
But Moshe ascended by himself
into the sapphire sky
and he didn't come back.
Of course we asked Aharon
to make something to remind us
we weren't as alone as we felt.