Perashat Ki Tissa 5777

Perashat Ki Tissa 5777

In this week’s perasha, we read about the breaking of the first Luhot, the first “Tablets of the Law” that were received by Moshe Rabbenu.  There was a remarkable difference in the manner in which the first and second sets of Luhot reached his hands.  The first were handed to him by Boreh Olam.  G-d revealed Himself at Mt. Sinai in the presence of all the people amidst thunder and lightning and pronounced the Ten Commandments.  Our Hakhamim teach us, that at that time, afilu oaf lo parah – that the silence was so absolute, that it was not even disturbed by the flight of a bird.  [Exodus Rabbah 29]  The entire universe held its breath in awe and reverence during those precious historical moments.  The task of Moshe Rabbenu was easy and pleasant, as everyone was eager to accept the Torah.  They proclaimed in unison, “Na’ase VeNishma” – “We will do and obey” [Ex. 24:7].  The Talmud relates that the angels were so enthusiastic with this response, that they placed two crowns on the head of each Jew; one for na’ase and one for nishma. [Shabbat 88a] 

When Moshe Rabbenu had to climb Mt. Sinai to receive the second Luhot, the picture was entirely different.  By then, the people had lost their crowns of glory due to their worship of the Golden Calf; the first tablets had been broken, and an open rebellion against G-d had taken place.  This time, Moshe had to climb the mountain alone.  When he finally reached the top, Boreh Olam commands him:  “Pesol Lekha She’nei Luhot Abanim Ka-rishonim” – “Hew for yourself two tablets of stone like the first ones;” [Ex. 34:1] i.e.,  you, Moshe, will have to carve out and chisel the stone tablets by yourself.  Moshe Rabbenu is faced with a formidable task; his heart is heavy and he has doubts and misgivings about his people.  He knows that he may have to stand alone against the mob in the future again – face those who would rather worship idolatry than follow the teachings inscribed on the Luhot.  But he knows that he cannot dare give up.  When he is finally done, he comes down from the mountain, not only with the second set of Luhot, but also with ‘rays of glory’ - as his face shines with a new light – a radiance that comes only to those who achieve their goal after great trial and tribulation; the kind of aura that surrounds great prophets and saintly figures.  

Most people can distinguish the feeling between that which is handed to them and that which they have to obtain on their own.  Things that are handed to one, ‘on a silver platter’ do not always provide true satisfaction.  They may help make life more comfortable, but generally do not make it happier.  However, all those things that are attained through effort and struggle – goals that are attained through ‘Pesol Lekha’ – ‘Hew for yourself’ - do provide contentment and fill one with the ‘rays of glory’ that make their hearts full and their faces shine.  

We often witness for ourselves the difference between that which is given to us and that which is achieved, by watching young children at play.  A toddler who wants a toy that is out of reach may barely register any acknowledgement when her parent plucks the toy off the shelf and hands it to the child.  However, when that same toddler manages to climb up onto the couch, reach over to the shelf, stretch way up and snatch the toy by herself, it is a sight to behold.  A mixture of pride, accomplishment and satisfaction radiate from her little face.  

We, as the ‘Children of G-d’, should take this message to heart.  When we have a choice between accepting what comes easily or expending the extra effort, let us remember that not only do we experience the rewards of satisfaction and pride in this world, but, as our sages say in Pirkei Abot, regarding the spiritual world, “According to the effort is the reward.”

May Boreh Olam bless us, so that we may put in all our efforts and succeed in all of our endeavors.

(Based on a sermon of my Grandfather, z”l)