Parashat Ki Tisa 5784 : Why Did Moses Break the Tablets?

Summary

This week's Torah portion focuses on the significance of the sanctuary and the profound meaning behind Moses breaking the tablets after witnessing the sin of the golden calf. The speaker explores why Moses' act of breaking the tablets was ultimately praised by God, symbolizing spiritual growth through brokenness and crisis. The lesson emphasizes that moments of personal failure and hardship can lead to deeper repentance, renewal, and a stronger connection with God, highlighting the spiritual power of transformation from our mistakes.

Takeaways

• 📜 The Torah portion begins with Moses on Mount Sinai, receiving instructions from God about building the sanctuary and other commandments related to the Temple.
• ⏳ The Israelites grew impatient during Moses' 40-day absence, leading to the creation of the golden calf due to fear and misunderstanding of Moses' return time.
• 😨 Despite witnessing God's miracles, the Israelites felt spiritually immature and dependent on Moses, which led to the sin of creating the golden calf.
• 💔 Moses shattered the holy tablets when he descended from the mountain and saw the Israelites dancing around the golden calf, a serious sin that impacts all generations.
• 🤔 One of the biggest questions is why Moses broke the tablets, despite their divine nature. Surprisingly, God not only didn't reprimand him, but praised him for his decision.
• 🕊️ The broken tablets were placed in the Ark of the Covenant alongside the second set, symbolizing the importance of brokenness and repentance in spiritual growth.
• 🌱 Moses' act of breaking the tablets taught that moments of brokenness can lead to greater spiritual understanding and closeness to God.
• 💡 The second set of tablets represented a deeper, more profound connection to God's light, surpassing what the first tablets could have provided.
• 🙏 The breaking of the tablets reflects the importance of repentance, renewal, and growth from personal crises, transforming mistakes into opportunities for spiritual elevation.
• ❤️ The script concludes with a message of hope: even in brokenness, there is the potential for transformation, healing, and a deeper relationship with God, aligning with the teaching that 'there's no vessel as whole as a broken heart.'

Q & A

What is the significance of the commandment to build the sanctuary according to the script?

The commandment to build the sanctuary (mikdash) is significant because it serves as a way to ensure that the experience of being together with God at Mount Sinai will never cease. It represents God's plan for a rectified world, a 'Garden of Eden Plan B,' and aims to maintain the clarity and connection between Israel and God.

Why did the Israelites become fearful and impatient while waiting for Moses?

The Israelites became fearful and impatient because they misunderstood when Moses would return after being on Mount Sinai for 40 days and nights. Despite witnessing miraculous events, they were spiritually immature and overly dependent on Moses. This led them to panic, fearing they were alone with God without Moses as a mediator.

What was the significance of the golden calf incident?

The golden calf incident was significant because it demonstrated the Israelites' fear and desire for something tangible to comfort them in Moses' absence. Although it wasn’t outright idolatry, the act represented self-worship and a serious sin, with long-lasting repercussions that affected future generations.

Why did Moses break the tablets upon seeing the Israelites worshiping the golden calf?

Moses broke the tablets because he saw that the Israelites were not ready to receive the Torah in their current state of spiritual immaturity. His decision to break them signified that they were unworthy at that moment and was seen as the correct measure, with God later praising Moses for this action.

How did God respond to Moses breaking the tablets?

God did not criticize Moses for breaking the tablets. Instead, He praised Moses, implying that it was the right thing to do. God even said to Moses, 'Well done,' and this act became one of the most important moments in Moses' life, recognized as his greatest praise.

Why were both the broken pieces of the first tablets and the second set placed in the Ark of the Covenant?

Both the broken pieces of the first tablets and the second set were placed in the Ark of the Covenant because the broken pieces represented the Israelites' spiritual crisis, while the second set symbolized renewal and a deeper connection with God. The presence of both sets teaches that even in moments of failure and Brokenness, there is potential for growth and redemption.

What is the deeper meaning behind the breaking of the tablets, according to the script?

The breaking of the tablets symbolizes the idea that spiritual growth often comes from moments of Brokenness. Moses understood that breaking the tablets would allow for a deeper light of Torah to enter the world. This act taught that personal crises and mistakes can lead to greater understanding, spiritual renewal, and a closer relationship with God.

How does the concept of Brokenness relate to spiritual growth in the Torah portion?

Brokenness is seen as a necessary step toward spiritual growth. The script emphasizes that times of crisis and personal failure can lead to a renewed sense of purpose and closeness to God. The broken pieces of the tablets are a reminder that even in failure, there is a path to repentance, renewal, and greater spiritual light.

What lesson can be learned from Moses’ act of breaking the tablets in relation to personal failure?

The lesson from Moses breaking the tablets is that failure and mistakes are not the end but rather an opportunity for growth. Just as the Israelites were given a second chance with the second set of tablets, individuals can learn from their failures, start anew, and achieve even greater spiritual development.

How does the script connect the sound of the shofar during Rosh Hashanah to the theme of Brokenness?

The script connects the sound of the shofar, specifically the broken staccato notes called 'sharim,' to the theme of Brokenness. These notes symbolize the fragmented state of the world and personal spiritual Brokenness, calling people to repentance and renewal. The broken sound represents the opportunity for transformation and a closer relationship with God.