Perashat Ki Tissa 5776

Perashat Ki Tissa 5776

Every generation is known for something that typifies it. It is usually something important that defines a generation. In past history, the generations were known for a natural phenomenon, like the generation of the flood.  Or, a historical event is credited, like the Exodus from Egypt. Even a period of time, like the generation of the Desert is common. It could also be a kingdom, like the Kingdom of David generation or the Kingdom of Solomon generation. Other generations include The Mediaeval ages, the Age of discovery and conquests, the Renaissance generation, the Emancipation generation, the Holocaust generation, the landing on the Moon generation, etc.

The infamous generation of the Golden Calf, that we read about in this week's Perashat Ki Tissa, is different than all the others. Its difference is not in the people that were part of it, but in its recurrence in almost every generation. When Moshe pleaded with G-d to spare the lives of the Israelites, G-d answered him: "Now, go lead the people to where I have told you, and on the day that I make My account, I shall bring their offense to account against them". Our Sages learn from that statement that in every generation, as evil may befall the Israelites, part of it is due to the debt of the sin of the Golden Calf; since G-d did not extract retribution from them at that time.  

Interestingly enough, I believe that not only the retribution of the Golden Calf offense appears in every generation, the Golden Calf itself also appears in every generation, of course in a different form. In every generation, we see "something" that so many people are so involved and enthralled by that they ignore principles of ethics and morals. They worship that "thing" as if it were an idol, a god, or something that they cannot live without. They would be willing to forgo all sense of appropriate conduct, just to "worship" this new idol. 

I am not sure what "thing" would qualify to be the Golden Calf of our generation, the generation that we live in.  There might be actually many "things" that could qualify; money, fame, sex, arrogance, power, etc.

Consider these TV programs: "American Idol", "Supermodel", "The Voice", "The Apprentice", "Thrill of a Lifetime", "X-Factor", "Americas Got Talent" and many other reality shows. If it is a moment of fame that all participants are searching for, I would criticize it, but I may understand.  What I fail to understand is the phenomena of so many people watching these shows!! What are they gaining? Except a waste of time and indulging in fantasies. It must be that the spectators live vicariously through the participants, or maybe they wish they were the ones becoming famous and winning the amount of money promised. That, to me, represents the Golden Calf of our generation. Participants, and spectators alike, are just overtaken by the glamour, the fame, the thrill, the satisfaction, and of course the money that comes from it. Indeed, after all that fame, glamour, and attention, it is the money that most people worship. Yes, fame and glamour can fulfill our psychological needs, but money can "buy" everything...except happiness.

This generation has indeed found the "gold" in the Golden Calf to worship.