Ki Thisa:  the circle

This is the chapter of high drama. The Israelites approach the heights, the contract is so close. At that moment, they descend to the depths. The decline of the people propels Moshe to heights never achieved by another human being.

If I read the story in the usual way, it is familiar but I really do not understand it. I cannot understand people thinking of a golden statue of a calf as their deity and certainly not as the force that took them out of Egypt. I can understand the story better if I take a liberty with some of the keywords.

 

The words that are translated as golden calf, or more accurately molten calf, are עֵ֣גֶל מַסֵּכָ֑ה, aygel maseichah.  Aygel, עֵ֣גֶל, is often translated as calf and that usage makes sense in many other passages in the Torah. Hebrew is written without vowels. This set of consonants also accurately spells eegul, a circle. As I read the chapter of this year, the alternate reading of eegul, עֵ֣גֶל, cast the story into a different and more understandable light for me.

 

Immediately preceding the story of the people demanding and receiving an object of idolatry ( usually understood to be a calf), the chapter instructs the preparation of the anointing oil and incense. These were compounds that were to be used exclusively in the temple service. The formulations of these two mixtures are patented. Other mixtures, like the combination of meat and milk or wool and  linen are forbidden but it is only the anointing oil and incense that are put under this special restriction. These substances are to be made but only  by authorized people for the defined use. They are patented. This is one of the beginnings of our industrial world. This is an understandable prophecy.

Soon after, comes the , aygel or eegul  maseichah.  It is announced as the great power, the deity, “O Israel, who brought you out of the land of Egypt!” Did a calf bring the children of Israel out of Egypt ? No, they left on round wheels. They left on circles. And it was the wheels of the Egyptian Chariots that were caught when that army pursued the Hebrews after they crossed the split sea.

 

Round is the more fundamental meaning of עֵ֫גֶל. It is the perception that the hoof of the calf is round that transfers the word to the young animal.

 

The circle is a fundamental of the move to industrialization and the culture of invention. The wheel is often thought of among the first human inventions. Actually, the wheel was reinvented many times. It was at this time in history that in important advance took place in the wheel. It was about 4000 years ago that spokes first appeared. The solid interior of the wheel was replaced by a supporting meshwork. Another meaning for מַסֵּכָ֑ה masecha. This advance made the wheel itself less of a burden.

 

Although a different word ofan, (הָאוֹפַ֖ן בְּת֥וֹךְ הָאוֹפָֽן׃) is used, in the description of the heavenly host in Ezekiel, the wheels within wheels also emphasizes the  significance of the art and science of the circle. This wheel within the wheel evokes a later use of the circle that appeared at about the time of Ezekiel: the gear, one circle driving another. This was a new ability to redirect power.

 

The circles religious significance is seen primarily in Asia. The enso, the Dharmachakra (with its spokes), the Yingyang are all familiar. Eastern religions remain a source of fascination for Jews. The borders of idolatry are not clear to me.

 

There is a circular aspect to the morality of the atheist. The idea that things will circle back is a basis for just and equitable behavior. It is a self-contained worldview that does not require a deity. It is a belief system that I can fathom far better then a people led by a calf. My ability to understand it does not make it religiously acceptable. This is not the belief system of my ancestors. It is not likely to be an improvement either

 

What would It mean to be led by a calf? The calf is not a useful work animal. The calf is a complex obstacle to obtaining milk, the desirable product of its mother. The calf is necessary for the production of milk, but once it is born, it is a competitor with the human. Thus, it is often slaughtered and eaten. My identification with the subject of the folk song Donna Donna, the calf that is easily slaughtered never knowing the reason why, is limited.

Alternatively, the calf represents some potential not yet realized. It is forever young, but it is domesticated. It will not harm until it gets bigger. Maybe it is cute. It is hard to imagine the leadership of such a symbol. I like the circle better.

Industry produces wealth and wealth leads to power and greed.  Greed generates more industry.  That is the kind of idolatry I can understand.  It is a (molten) circle.