Ki thisa and Purim

Ki thisa and Purim

 Parsha Kisithais the parsha of the second chance. Purim is the holiday of the second chance. 

Both the parsha and Purim have multiple levels of error and redemption from error.

The simple level in the parsha is the golden calf and the second set of tablets.  This is really not that simple.  Where is the redemption? I sit in the breaking of the tablets? Is it in the prayer of Moshe, threatening that Gd ( and Moshe) will look  bad if the Children of Israel are destroyed in the wilderness?  Is it in the regret of the people and the removal of their jewels?  I guess it is all of these  and probably more.

The Megilla tells a story of rather clear redemption but the error is less clear.  Certainly, assimilation percolates through the Magillah.  If the Jews were not assimilated, how could Esther pass for a non-descript Shushanite?  Is assimilation  the error?  It is a necessary part of the salvation.

 

עגל מסכה  Eigel masechah: molten calf

 

I try to imagine a molten idol. An idol that is malleable, that changes with the times and the needs of the community.

I also see the word sachah, covered in in  masechah.  This idol covers and hides the issue, as opposed to the kaporeth on the ark ( with its Cherubim!)  which also cover but brings expiation, forgiveness.

One can also find the sukah eigul, the ( invalid) round sukah in there, meaning.... unclear.