One of the takeaway messages of the tragic actions taken by the Jewish people while engaging in the sin of the Golden Calf is to not act abruptly without first considering the weighty ramifications of actions that we are about to take.

To appreciate Moses’ efforts to plead for mercy on behalf of the Jewish people as a result of their grievous sin of the Golden Calf, read this enlightening analysis entitled “Moses Pleads on Behalf of the People of Israel” from Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald’s Torah message on this week’s Torah portion, Kee Tisah. Out of respect for the Sabbath, please consider printing it on Friday afternoon if you plan to read it on Shabbat.