Parasha Summary
In Parashat Ki Tisa, Hashem commands Moshe to take a census of Bnei Yisrael by collecting half-shekels from each male over twenty. The parasha details the construction of the Mishkan, including the kiyor (laver) and the anointing oil. While Moshe is on Har Sinai receiving the luchot, the people sin by creating the golden calf. Moshe pleads for their forgiveness, and Hashem relents, though consequences follow. Moshe smashes the luchot, destroys the calf, and the Levites execute idolaters. After further supplication, Moshe ascends again to receive a second set of luchot, witnessing Hashem’s Thirteen Attributes of Mercy. The parasha concludes with Moshe’s radiant face after encountering the Divine Presence.