Sin of the Golden Calf

“Korach’s Rebellion: Why is the Jewish Community Losing So Many of its Best and Brightest?”
(updated and revised from Korach 5763-2003)

According to rabbinic tradition, Korach was a great Torah scholar who went astray because of jealousy. But Korach was only the first of many great Jewish minds and personages who walked away from Jewish tradition. Perhaps the story of Korach can help clarify for us some of the root causes of Jewish apostasy.

“Limitless Leadership”
(Updated and revised from Kee Tisah 5764-2004)

After the People of Israel are unfaithful to G-d and worship the Golden Calf at the foot of Mount Saini, Moses, the paradigmatic selfless leader, stands up for his people and demands that they be forgiven. His love for Israel is total and unswerving, even to the point of making the ultimate sacrifice on their behalf. As a doting “shepherd” concerned for the needs of his flock, Moses cares for this stiff-necked nation that was recently introduced to freedom.

“The ‘Vengeful’ G-d”
(Revised and updated from Kee Tisah 5760-2000)

The last of the so-called “13 Attributes of G-d’s Mercy” is that G-d does not entirely cleanse sinners, and that He may be vengeful. If we are expected to imitate G-d, then perhaps we too should be vengeful?

"Safeguarding the Covenant"

The Torah provides a formula to safeguard Israel=s covenant with G-d: separate from the negative influences of the non-Jewish nations.

“Moses Argues with G-d to Save the Jewish People from Destruction”

Moses’ argument with G-d to forgive the people for the sin of the Golden Calf serves as a paradigm for future petitions of the Al-mighty to forgive the sins of His people.

"Datan and Abiram: The Protagonists"

Datan and Abiram, two members of the tribe of Reuben, are caught up in the rebellion of Korach and are swallowed along with Korach when the earth opens. The Midrash sees Datan and Abiram as the paradigm of effrontery, rebellion, and brazenness, the ultimate ingrates who devote their lives to undermining Moses and the authority of G-d.

"Love of G-d Trumps Lust for Life"

In parashat Matot, Moses is told to lead the people in battle to avenge the Midianites and afterwards he will be gathered unto his people. Moses not only does not hesitate, he responds with alacrity and joy, even though he knows that the fulfillment of this command will hasten his death. This diminutive verse reveals much about our leader, our master, Moses.

"Limitless Leadership"

After the people of Israel are unfaithful to G-d and worship the Golden Calf at the foot of Mount Sinai, Moses, the paradigmatic selfless leader, stands up for his people and demands that they be forgiven. His love for Israel is total and unswerving, even to the point of making the ultimate sacrifice on their behalf. As a doting "shepherd" concerned for the needs of his flock, Moses cares for this stiff-necked nation that was recently introduced to freedom.

"Korach's Rebellion: Why is the Jewish Community Losing So Many of its Best and Brightest?"

According to rabbinic tradition, Korach was a great Torah scholar who went astray because of jealousy. But Korach was only the first of many great Jewish minds and personages who walked away from Jewish tradition. Perhaps the story of Korach can help clarify for us some of the root causes of Jewish apostasy.

"The 'Vengeful' G-d"

The last of the so-called 13 attributes of G-d's mercy is that G-d does not entirely cleanse sinners and that He may be vengeful. If we are expected to imitate G-d, then perhaps we should be vengeful as well?