Ki Tisa

When Is Ki Tisa Read?

March 7, 2026 / 18 Adar 5786

February 27, 2027 / 20 Adar I 5787

March 18, 2028 / 20 Adar 5788

Summary

Moses takes a census of the Israelites and collects a half-shekel from each person (30:11-16)
God tells Moses to construct a water basin and to prepare anointing oil and incense for the ordination of the priests. Bezalel and Oholiab, skilled artisans, are assigned to make objects for the priests and the Tabernacle. (30:17-31:11)
The Israelites are instructed to keep Shabbat as a sign of their covenant with God. God gives Moses the two tablets of the Pact. (31:12-18)
The Israelites ask Aaron to build them a Golden Calf. Moses implores God not to destroy the people and then breaks the two tablets of the Pact on which the Ten Commandments are written when he sees the idol. God punishes the Israelites by means of a plague. (32:1-35)
Moses goes up the mountain with a blank set of tablets for another 40 days so that God will again inscribe the Ten Commandments. Other laws, including the edict to observe the Pilgrimage Festivals, are also revealed. (34:1-28)
Moses comes down from the mountain with a radiant face. (34:29-35)

Ten Minutes of Torah: Ki Tisa Commentary

Photo of a person holding a magnifying glass over a piece of paper

Context is Everything: A Closer Look at Aaron

By: Rabbi Seth Goren

It's not uncommon for people to do things that are wholly logical to them, but are completely baffling, problematic, or even offensive to others.

More Ki Tisa Commentaries

Why so Quiet?

Parashat Ki Tisa: Waking Up to Freedom

In Fear, What Will We Choose to Build?

Why Did the People Demand New Leadership?

The Challenge of Holding God Close While Keeping Fear at Bay

Can We Have a Relationship with God?

Ki Tisa for Teens: Shabbat Sha-raps

A Concrete Relationship with God

Can You Really Ask God That?

Aaron, Moses, and the Golden Calf

Video: Learn More About Parashat Ki Tisa With Bim Bam

Learn More About Parashat Ki Tisa WIth Bim Bam

Rabba Yaffa Epstein retells the story of the breaking of the tablets containing the law from God received at Mount Sinai, aka the Ten Commandments. She shares not just the story of the Golden Calf and the anger of Moses but also a take on how we heal - tablets, hearts, humanity. Enjoy this video and others with Bim Bam.