Parashat Ki Tisa

Each adult gives a half shekel toward the sanctuary, rich and poor alike. Betzalel is named as the master craftsman, and Shabbat is set as a sign between God and Israel forever. Then the portion turns. Moses is late coming down the mountain, and the people press Aaron to make them a god. The golden calf is built and worshipped. God threatens to destroy the people and Moses argues them back to life, then descends, sees the dancing, and shatters the tablets. He pleads again, asks to see God's glory, and is shown the thirteen attributes of mercy. He carves a second set of tablets and comes down with his face shining.