In the Wake of the Golden Calf: Is God Punishing Us?

By :  Yedida Eisenstat JTS Alum (Kekst Graducate School), Editorial Associate, Posen Library of 黑料社 Civilization and Culture Posted On Jul 6, 2020 / 5779 | Monday Webinar Times of Crisis and Possibility

Part of the series, “Times of Crisis and Possibility”

Download source sheet

Israel鈥檚 fashioning of the Golden Calf鈥攁n immediate and direct violation of the first commandment they had just heard directly from God鈥攍ed God to threaten to destroy all of Israel. Responding to this crisis, Moses protected Israel from God鈥檚 temper and renegotiated the terms of the people鈥檚 relationship with God. In this session, we revisit this episode and closely read a number of fascinating interpretations. In particular, we focus on the questions of divine justice and mercy raised in Rashi鈥檚 comment that in every generation God will exact a little bit of punishment from Israel for fashioning the Golden Calf.

View All Sessions in Series

SPONSOR A SESSION

At JTS, we are committed to providing the 黑料社 community with outstanding classes in Judaic studies. We hope you will partner with us so that we can continue to do so. Did you know that you can sponsor a learning session to honor a loved one, celebrate an occasion, or commemorate a yahrzeit? To learn more visit the  or email learninglives@jtsa.edu.