top of page
Search

Dvar Torah - Ki Tissa

Over the last two weeks, a terrible culture has again reared its head in our nation's capital and we find our politicians accused of terrible conduct in relation to sexual abuse. When our leaders fail, or when they are seen to fail, even if it is unfair, we find ourselves disoriented, not knowing what to do next.

In our weekly Parsha, we also see a spectacular failure of leadership. Aharon was asked by the Jews to make for them an idol. Unfortunately, perhaps as a way of delaying the inevitable, he agreed to help. In the process, he brought about guilt on our nation that our sages tell us has yet to be expiated. How can we go on after such an event?


The answer lies in the additional reading this week. We will read Parshat Parah, the mitzvah to slaughter and burn the red heifer and use its ashes

to purify those who came into contact with a dead body. This mysterious mitzvah comes to atone for the sin of the golden calf, which was led by Aharon. However, Aharon is not the one to bring the sacrifice, and indeed, he cannot.

When there are such gross failures, we must look not to our leaders to fix the situation, but to ourselves. Each of us has a role in becoming acquainted with the problem and doing whatever we can to improve. Sometimes it is just to be aware and help those around us. Occasionally there are specific remedies we can provide. In times of trouble, we expect our leaders to fix the situation for us. Perhaps we should instead expect more of ourselves so that it does not happen again.


 
 
 

Recent Posts

See All
Dvar Torah - Mishpatim

This morning (I write this missive on Wednesday), the news came out that Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir Bibas' bodies will be returned by Hamas...

 
 
 
Dvar Torah - Yitro

This week, we read about the reentry of one of the Torah's heroes into our story. After hearing of all the wonders Hashem had produced...

 
 
 
Dvar Torah - Bo

RABBI LORD JONATHAN SACKS Parshat Bo turns three times to the idea of children and the role of parents in educating them.  As Jews we...

 
 
 

Comments


BRIGHTON
HEBREW
CONGREGATION

Tel: 03 9592 9179

Email: brighton.shule@brightonshule.org.au

132 Marriage Road, East Brighton

VIC, 3187

Thanks for submitting!

  • White Instagram Icon
  • White Facebook Icon

Brighton Hebrew Congregation is a child safe organisation.

©2020 by Brighton Hebrew Congregation. Proudly created with wix.com

bottom of page