Parashat Ki Tisa – Summary

Parashat Ki Tisa completes the Divine commands to Moshe on Mt. Sinai relating to the construction of the Mishkan. It then tells of the sin of the Golden Calf and its consequences.
More Mishkan Instructions – Chapter 30 presents instructions regarding the half shekel contribution to the Mishkan, the water basin (Kiyyor), and the anointing oil and incense.
The Mishkan and the Tablets – The preparatory instructions regarding the Mishkan conclude in Chapter 31 with the command to appoint Betzalel as master artisan and the directive to observe Shabbat. Hashem then gives Moshe the Tablets of the Covenant (Luchot) to be housed in the Ark of the Covenant (Aron).
The Golden Calf – Chapter 32 returns to the narrative of the revelation at Mt. Sinai and describes how the nation made a golden calf while Moshe was on Mt. Sinai. Hashem proposes to annihilate the nation, and Moshe first prays to spare them from destruction and then descends from the mountain and breaks the Luchot.
Aftermath of the Golden Calf – Chapter 33 relates Hashem's intention to distance His presence from the Children of Israel, and Moshe's further intercession on their behalf.
Second Set of Tablets – In Chapter 34, Moshe ascends Mt. Sinai where he has a vision of the Thirteen Divine Attributes of Mercy, before receiving the second Tablets and a renewed covenant with Hashem.

Parashat Ki Tisa/ParashahSummary