Parashat Ki Tisa
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==Machatzit HaShekel== | ==Machatzit HaShekel== | ||
− | Hashem tells Moshe when he takes<ref name="Rashi Shemos 30:12">Rashi Shemos 30:12</ref> a counts the Jews by their numbers to know how many they are,<ref name="Rashi Shemos 30:12"/> it should be done by collecting a half a shekel from each each male above the age twenty and counting those rather than by doing a headcount.<ref name="Rashi Shemos 30:12"/> This donation would also server as an atonement for their souls. By calculating the total of the Jewish Nation through the counting of the coins, Moshe is able to avoid the creation of a devastating plague that could incur had he counted the actual people. This method was to be used any time the Jews are to be counted. | + | Hashem tells Moshe when he takes<ref name="Rashi Shemos 30:12">Rashi Shemos 30:12</ref> a counts the Jews by their numbers to know how many they are,<ref name="Rashi Shemos 30:12"/> it should be done by collecting a half a shekel from each each male above the age twenty and counting those rather than by doing a headcount.<ref name="Rashi Shemos 30:12"/> This donation would also server as an atonement for their souls. By calculating the total of the Jewish Nation through the counting of the coins, Moshe is able to avoid the creation of a devastating plague that could incur had he counted the actual people. This method was to be used any time the Jews are to be counted.<ref>Rashi</ref> |
− | Here the Jews were counted to update their population status after the fatalities suffered due to the Chet Haegel | + | Here the Jews were counted to update their population status after the fatalities suffered due to the Chet Haegel from the drinking of the powdered waters, the mass execution led by the Levim and the large plague that took place.<ref name="Shover Zadim Parashat Ki Tisa"/> Counting the Jews was an act of love, just like a shepherd would recount his sheep after a plague befell his flock.<ref>Rashi</ref> Additionally the more the Jews increase, the more the honor of Hashem increases, so counting them would invoke that.<ref name="Likutay Halachos Hilchos Tzitzis 7">Likutay Halachos Hilchos Tzitzis 7</ref> |
− | Additionally, the silver coins from this collection were used for the creation of the Adanim and Vavim in the Mishkan | + | Additionally, the silver coins from this collection were used for the creation of the Adanim and Vavim in the Mishkan and served as a remembrance of the Jews before Hashem and as a partial rectification for the 'sin of the golden calf'. Hundreds of years later the merit of the Machtzit Hashekel collections helped annul the silver Shikalim offered by Haman to gain control of the Jews.<ref>Baal Haturim</ref> |
===Prevention of Plague=== | ===Prevention of Plague=== | ||
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===Half a Shekel=== | ===Half a Shekel=== | ||
− | Each shekel equaled 20 Gerahs or 4 Zuz, | + | Each shekel equaled 20 Gerahs or 4 Zuz, making each half shekel coin equal ten Gerah or 2 Zuz.<ref>Rashi</ref> Each Gerah was equivalent to one silver 'Manah' coin.<ref>Rashi</ref> This Shekel value was used throughout the Torah, specifically for the redemption of 'Arichin evaluations' and 'donated inherited properties'. Half shekel coins were minted from pure silver without any contaminations or mixed alloys. These coins were also referred to as a 'Bekka'.<ref name="Rashi, Shimos, Pikuday 38:26">Rashi, Shimos, Pikuday 38:26</ref> Moshe was unsure of the exact size of the Machatzit Hashekel, so Hashem showed him a coin made from fire<ref name="Rashi Shemos 30:13">Rashi Shemos 30:13</ref> whose dimensions would define<ref name="Shover Zadim Parashat Ki Tisa"/> the weight of the silver 'half shekel' coin.<ref name="Rashi Shemos 30:13"/> |
− | + | ||
− | This Shekel value | + | |
====Part of Whole==== | ====Part of Whole==== | ||
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===The Collection=== | ===The Collection=== | ||
− | Only males over the age of twenty, were subject to the Machatzit HaShekel collection. This was the age of eligibility to enter the Jewish army, and at that age a male would enter the category of being a 'man'.<ref>Rashi | + | Only males over the age of twenty, were subject to the Machatzit HaShekel collection. This was the age of eligibility to enter the Jewish army, and at that age a male would enter the category of being a 'man'.<ref>Rashi</ref> Each individual had to submit precisely a half a shekel, not more, not less, regardless if the individual was wealthy or poor. As part of the process, everyone lined up then passed through the registration one by one, submitting their half shekel coin.<ref>Rashi</ref> There are opinions that the Tribe of Levi was not subject to this collection.<ref>Baal Haturim</ref> |
====20 Years Old==== | ====20 Years Old==== | ||
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====Total Count==== | ====Total Count==== | ||
− | The total count of the Jews was 603,550 adult males.<ref>Rashi</ref> This was the same exact total achieved for the Second Machtzit Hashekel count that place around six months later. Although the 'initial count' took place on the first year following the Egyptian exodus and the 'second count' took place during second year, there was no population increase, although more males had turned twenty. This was because the 'years in the desert' were calculated starting from Rosh Chodesh Nisson, while the eligibility bracket for being counted, was set by individuals that had already been 20 years old on Rosh Chodesh Tishri. Therefore, any individual that had not been eligible during the 'first count' was not eligible during the 'second count' and the same exact people were recounted.<ref | + | The total count of the Jews was 603,550 adult males.<ref>Rashi</ref> This was the same exact total achieved for the Second Machtzit Hashekel count that place around six months later. Although the 'initial count' took place on the first year following the Egyptian exodus and the 'second count' took place during second year, there was no population increase, although more males had turned twenty. This was because the 'years in the desert' were calculated starting from Rosh Chodesh Nisson, while the eligibility bracket for being counted, was set by individuals that had already been 20 years old on Rosh Chodesh Tishri. Therefore, any individual that had not been eligible during the 'first count' was not eligible during the 'second count' and the same exact people were recounted.<ref>Rashi Kipshuto</ref> At the same time, no one had died during this six month period, since as long as the Jews did not commit any sins in the desert they were protected by the clouds from all natural death and illnesses.<ref name="Shover Zadim Parashat Ki Tisa"/> |
====Sum==== | ====Sum==== | ||
− | This collection of 603,550 half shekels yielded 100 kikraim and 1775 shekels of silver. Each Kikar was equivalent to 3,000 shekel. Since 600,000 half shekels produced 300,000 full shikalim it equaled 100 Kikarim. An additional 3,550 half shekel equaled 1,175 full shikalim.<ref name="Rashi, | + | This collection of 603,550 half shekels yielded 100 kikraim and 1775 shekels of silver. Each Kikar was equivalent to 3,000 shekel. Since 600,000 half shekels produced 300,000 full shikalim it equaled 100 Kikarim. An additional 3,550 half shekel equaled 1,175 full shikalim.<ref name="Rashi, Shimos, Pikuday 38:26"/> |
====Usage==== | ====Usage==== | ||
− | 100 kikrim were used for the Adanim - sockets both for the Kirashim - beams and for the pillars holding up the Parochet | + | 100 kikrim were used for the Adanim - sockets both for the Kirashim - beams and for the pillars holding up the Parochet. 100 sockets were created in total, each one using a kikar of silver.<ref name="Rashi, Shimos, Pikuday 38:27">Rashi, Shimos, Pikuday 38:27</ref> 96 were used for the 48 Kirashim, who sported two Adonim per beam. An additional 4 Adonim were used for each of the 4 Amudim - pillars.<ref name="Rashi, Shimos, Pikuday 38:27"/> The remaining 1775 shikalim were used for the Vavim - hooks<ref>Parshat Teruma</ref> of the courtyard Amudim and also to coat their tops with silver.<ref>Rashi Pikoday Shemos 38:28</ref> |
===Date=== | ===Date=== | ||
− | This was one of three collections and took place right at the start of the Mishkan collection right after Yom Kipor following Moshe's second descent upon attaining forgiveness for the sin of the golden calf.<ref | + | This was one of three collections and took place right at the start of the Mishkan collection right after Yom Kipor following Moshe's second descent upon attaining forgiveness for the sin of the golden calf.<ref>Rashi</ref> This independent collection was used for creation of the Adanim - sockets and the Vavim - hooks for the Mishkan. The two other collections included the actual Mishkan collection and the second Machatzit HaShekel collection that took place immediately after the building of the Mishkan around six months following the first collection, during the month of Iyyar<ref>Rashi</ref> on the 2nd year following the Egyptian exodus and is mentioned in Parshas Bamidbar, whose proceeds were used to buy public sacrifices.<ref>Rashi</ref> |
===Implantation=== | ===Implantation=== | ||
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==Kiyor HaNechoshet== | ==Kiyor HaNechoshet== | ||
− | Hashem tells Moshe to create a copper washstand | + | Hashem tells Moshe to create a copper washstand that would be used by the Kohanim to wash their hands and feet before entering Ohel Moed or performing any rituals by the external altar. Doing either of the above without first washing one's hands and feet was punishable by death. The washstand was placed between the Ohel Moed and the altar. |
− | ===Size | + | ===Size=== |
− | + | In order for the Kiyor to be valid, it had to have the ability to hold enough water for four Kohanim to wash at the same time.<ref>Baal Haturim</ref> | |
− | In order for the Kiyor to be valid, it had to have the ability to hold enough water for four Kohanim to wash at the same time.<ref>Baal Haturim</ref | + | |
===Reading Parshat HaKiyor=== | ===Reading Parshat HaKiyor=== | ||
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===Cleansing=== | ===Cleansing=== | ||
− | Washing from the Kiyor was a purification for minor impurities, similar to a Mikva that cleanses from stronger impurities.<ref name="Shover Zadim Parashat Ki Tisa"/> Even going from a lower state of holiness to a higher state of holiness requires purification.<ref name="Shover Zadim Parashat Ki Tisa | + | Washing from the Kiyor was a purification for minor impurities, similar to a Mikva that cleanses from stronger impurities.<ref name="Shover Zadim Parashat Ki Tisa"/> Even going from a lower state of holiness to a higher state of holiness requires purification.<ref name="Shover Zadim Parashat Ki Tisa"/> |
While washing their hands and feet, the Kohanim would meditate on cleaning and removing all thoughts of haughtiness and self interests from their minds so they can perform the Temple services for the sake of Hashem alone. Similarly one is to perform similar meditations while reciting the section of the Kiyor before prayers so he can pray for the sake of Hashem without haughtiness or vested self interests.<ref>May Hashiloach Parshat Ki Tesisa</ref> | While washing their hands and feet, the Kohanim would meditate on cleaning and removing all thoughts of haughtiness and self interests from their minds so they can perform the Temple services for the sake of Hashem alone. Similarly one is to perform similar meditations while reciting the section of the Kiyor before prayers so he can pray for the sake of Hashem without haughtiness or vested self interests.<ref>May Hashiloach Parshat Ki Tesisa</ref> | ||
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===Components=== | ===Components=== | ||
− | The Shemen HaMishcha anointing oil was only to be compounded from the finest | + | The Shemen HaMishcha anointing oil was only to be compounded from the finest spices using the art of the perfumer. It included.... |
− | # '''Shemen Zayit''' - Olive oil measuring one | + | # '''Shemen Zayit''' - Olive oil measuring one Hin |
# '''Muhr Dror''' - Pure myrrh weighing 500 shekels. | # '''Muhr Dror''' - Pure myrrh weighing 500 shekels. | ||
− | # '''Kinhamon Bosem''' - Fragrant cinnamon weighing 500 shekels. | + | # '''Kinhamon Bosem''' - Fragrant cinnamon weighing 500 shekels. |
− | # '''Kaneh Bosem''' - | + | # '''Kaneh Bosem''' - Fragrant cane weighing 250 shekels. |
− | # '''Kidah''' - Cassia | + | # '''Kidah''' - Cassia weighing 500 shekels. |
===Anointments=== | ===Anointments=== | ||
− | + | When anointed, these vessels became categorized as 'holy of holies' and any object that touched them became 'holy'. | |
# '''Ohel Moed''' - Tent of Meeting | # '''Ohel Moed''' - Tent of Meeting | ||
# '''Aron Hadut''' - Ark of Testimony | # '''Aron Hadut''' - Ark of Testimony | ||
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# '''Menorah''' - Candelabra including all its vessels | # '''Menorah''' - Candelabra including all its vessels | ||
# '''Mizbeach HaKetoret''' - Altar of incense | # '''Mizbeach HaKetoret''' - Altar of incense | ||
− | # '''Mizbeach Ha'olah''' - Altar of the burnt offering | + | # '''Mizbeach Ha'olah''' - Altar of the burnt offering |
− | + | ||
# '''Aharon and his sons''' - Aharon and his four sons Nadav, Avihu, Elazar and Itamar. | # '''Aharon and his sons''' - Aharon and his four sons Nadav, Avihu, Elazar and Itamar. | ||
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===Exclusivity=== | ===Exclusivity=== | ||
− | It is | + | It is forbidden to compound oil using the Shemen Hamishcha formula. Additionally it is forbidden to use this oil on anyone other then Kings and the Kohen Gadol. Anyone who transgress the above receives Karet and becomes cut off from his people. |
==Ketoret HaSamim== | ==Ketoret HaSamim== | ||
− | Hashem tells Moshe to | + | Hashem tells Moshe to create an incense formula, compounding it according to the art of the perfumer, to be burnt twice daily on the golden altar inside Ohel Moed. It should be well blended, pure, and holy. |
===Preparation=== | ===Preparation=== | ||
− | The Ketoret incense contained 11 main spices. Four are written openly in the Torah and the rest are alluded to in the verse. | + | The Ketoret incense contained 11 main spices. Four are written openly in the Torah and the rest are alluded to in the verse. All spices had to be pure (Tahor) from any spiritual impurities (Tumah), they had to be purchased using sacred money (Hekdesh) and had to be ground up very finely.<ref name="Ketoret Sheet">Ketoret Sheet</ref> When prepared properly the Ketoret became categorized as 'holy of holies'.<ref name="Ketoret Sheet"/> It was prepared annually in batches of 368 'mana' (480 grams / 1.06 pounds per 'mana', totaling 176 kilograms / 388.01 pounds)<ref name="Ketoret Sheet"/> that accounted for the 365 days of the leap year and an additional 3 'mana' used for the Yom Kipor services<ref name="Ketoret Sheet"/> Leftover portions of Ketoret from non leap years and from the varying hand sizes of the Kohen Gadal who served each year on Yom Kipor, were saved and once every 60 - 70 years only a 50% reduced annual batch of 184 'mana' was made.<ref name="Ketoret Sheet"/> It was permitted to produce the Ketoret in third or quarter sized batches as long as the ingredients were kept to the same proportions of the full batch.<ref name="Ketoret Sheet"/> When preparing the Ketoret, the grinder would say "grind well, become well ground". He would repeat this over and over during the entire time of grinding since speech was auspicious for a successful incense.<ref name="Shover Zadim Parashat Ki Tisa"/> If even one the Ketoret's ingredients was missing or out of proportion,<ref name="Ketoret Sheet"/> the person who offered it was punishable by death.<ref name="Shover Zadim Parashat Ki Tisa"/> |
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===Ingredients=== | ===Ingredients=== | ||
− | # '''Nataf''' - Balsam sap equaling 70 Mana (33.6 kilograms / 74.08 pounds).<ref name="Shover Zadim Parashat Ki Tisa"/> Nataf is also called 'Tzari' | + | # '''Nataf''' - Balsam sap equaling 70 Mana (33.6 kilograms / 74.08 pounds).<ref name="Shover Zadim Parashat Ki Tisa"/> Nataf is also called 'Tzari' since it is sap that comes from a 'Tzari' tree.<ref name="Ketoret Sheet"/> |
− | # '''Shichelet''' - Onycha equaling 70 Mana (33.6 kilograms / 74.08 pounds).<ref name="Shover Zadim Parashat Ki Tisa"/> | + | # '''Shichelet''' - Onycha equaling 70 Mana (33.6 kilograms / 74.08 pounds).<ref name="Shover Zadim Parashat Ki Tisa"/> Shichelet is also called 'Tziporen'<ref name="Ketoret Sheet"/> since it resembles a human fingernail.<ref name="Ketoret Sheet"/> |
− | # '''Chelbona''' - Galbanum equaling 70 Mana (33.6 kilograms / 74.08 pounds).<ref name="Shover Zadim Parashat Ki Tisa"/> This spice was a black type of tree sap<ref name="Ketoret Sheet"/> that had a horrid smell | + | # '''Chelbona''' - Galbanum equaling 70 Mana (33.6 kilograms / 74.08 pounds).<ref name="Shover Zadim Parashat Ki Tisa"/> This spice was a black type of tree sap<ref name="Ketoret Sheet"/> that had a horrid smell and its inclusion comes to symbolize how the wicked should be included in gatherings of repentance. |
# '''Levona''' - Pure frankincense equaling 70 Mana (33.6 kilograms / 74.08 pounds).<ref name="Shover Zadim Parashat Ki Tisa"/> This frankincense first had to undergo a purification process.<ref name="Ketoret Sheet"/> It is extracted by slashing the bark of the tree and allowing the exuded resin to bleed out and harden.<ref>Wikipedia Frankincense </ref> | # '''Levona''' - Pure frankincense equaling 70 Mana (33.6 kilograms / 74.08 pounds).<ref name="Shover Zadim Parashat Ki Tisa"/> This frankincense first had to undergo a purification process.<ref name="Ketoret Sheet"/> It is extracted by slashing the bark of the tree and allowing the exuded resin to bleed out and harden.<ref>Wikipedia Frankincense </ref> | ||
# '''Muhr''' - Myrrh equaling 16 Mana, a resin extracted from a small thorny tree.<ref>Wikipedia Myrrh</ref> | # '''Muhr''' - Myrrh equaling 16 Mana, a resin extracted from a small thorny tree.<ref>Wikipedia Myrrh</ref> | ||
# '''Kitza''' - Cassia equaling 16 Mana. When burnt, this spice can be smelled from far.<ref name="Ketoret Sheet"/> | # '''Kitza''' - Cassia equaling 16 Mana. When burnt, this spice can be smelled from far.<ref name="Ketoret Sheet"/> | ||
− | # '''Shibolet Nerd''' - Spikenard equaling 16 Mana | + | # '''Shibolet Nerd''' - Spikenard equaling 16 Mana |
# '''Carkum''' - Saffron equaling 16 Mana | # '''Carkum''' - Saffron equaling 16 Mana | ||
# '''Koshet''' - Costus equaling 12 Mana, a white root with great fragrance, that can be smelled from far. | # '''Koshet''' - Costus equaling 12 Mana, a white root with great fragrance, that can be smelled from far. | ||
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====Additional Ingredients==== | ====Additional Ingredients==== | ||
− | # '''Boris Karshina''' - 9 Kabin (around 8 kilograms / 17.64 pounds),<ref name="Ketoret Sheet"/> This was a form of soap originating from the city of Karshina. It was | + | # '''Boris Karshina''' - 9 Kabin (around 8 kilograms / 17.64 pounds),<ref name="Ketoret Sheet"/> This was a form of soap originating from the city of Karshina. It was used to clean the Levona and Tziporen - onycha which would be black and dirty when extracted from the ground. It was then cleaned with the soap to prevent the dirt from ruining its googd smell. |
# '''Yayin Kafrisin''' - 3 Sah and 3 Kabin (around 28 liter / 7.40 gallons),<ref name="Ketoret Sheet"/> a strong form of wine used to soak the Tziporen - onycha to strength its smell and help it travel further. Although soaking the Tziporen in urine instead would have strengthened it even more, it was not used since urine was not brought into the Temple out of respect. | # '''Yayin Kafrisin''' - 3 Sah and 3 Kabin (around 28 liter / 7.40 gallons),<ref name="Ketoret Sheet"/> a strong form of wine used to soak the Tziporen - onycha to strength its smell and help it travel further. Although soaking the Tziporen in urine instead would have strengthened it even more, it was not used since urine was not brought into the Temple out of respect. | ||
# '''Chamar Chivar Atik''' - Aged wine that is neither white nor red.<ref name="Ketoret Sheet"/> This was brought in as a replacement when the Yayin Kafrisin wine could not be attained. | # '''Chamar Chivar Atik''' - Aged wine that is neither white nor red.<ref name="Ketoret Sheet"/> This was brought in as a replacement when the Yayin Kafrisin wine could not be attained. | ||
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====No Honey==== | ====No Honey==== | ||
As is the Ketoret produced a delightfully fragrant smell, where even a 'krotev' (around 5 grams) of honey<ref name="Ketoret Sheet"/> to be added to its ingredients the smell would have been greatly increased until it would have become overwhelming. Despite this it was forbidden to add honey to the Ketoret and doing so would disqualify its use in the Beit Hamikdash.<ref name="Ketoret Sheet"/> This was in accordance with the prohibition of sacrificing any honey or leaven to Hashem, since honey symbolizes unnecessary luxuries and leaven symbolizes haughtiness.<ref name="Ketoret Sheet"/> | As is the Ketoret produced a delightfully fragrant smell, where even a 'krotev' (around 5 grams) of honey<ref name="Ketoret Sheet"/> to be added to its ingredients the smell would have been greatly increased until it would have become overwhelming. Despite this it was forbidden to add honey to the Ketoret and doing so would disqualify its use in the Beit Hamikdash.<ref name="Ketoret Sheet"/> This was in accordance with the prohibition of sacrificing any honey or leaven to Hashem, since honey symbolizes unnecessary luxuries and leaven symbolizes haughtiness.<ref name="Ketoret Sheet"/> | ||
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===Exclusivity=== | ===Exclusivity=== | ||
− | It is forbidden to compound incense using the Ketoret formula | + | It is forbidden to compound incense using the Ketoret formula. Anyone who clones the Ketoret to smell it's fragrance, receives Karet and becomes cut off from his people. |
===Daily Service=== | ===Daily Service=== | ||
− | Twice each day | + | Twice each day including Shabbat and holidays,<ref name="Ketoret Sheet"/> a Ketoret offering consisting of a half a 'mana' each,<ref name="Ketoret Sheet"/> was burnt on the inner Mizbeach Hazahav. The morning Ketoret was offered following the cleaning of the Menorah lamps and the afternoon Ketoret was offered following the lighting of the Menorah.<ref name="Ketoret Sheet"/> |
Since the burning of the Ketoret was auspicious for wealth and was therefore a much desired job, it was allotted via the use of a lotto. Any Kohen that won the job of burning the Ketoret was never given a chance to do so again.<ref>Mishna Yuma</ref> | Since the burning of the Ketoret was auspicious for wealth and was therefore a much desired job, it was allotted via the use of a lotto. Any Kohen that won the job of burning the Ketoret was never given a chance to do so again.<ref>Mishna Yuma</ref> | ||
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===Breaking of the Luchos=== | ===Breaking of the Luchos=== | ||
As Moshe drew close to the camp, he saw the calf and the dancing before it. Moshe became enraged, he flung the tablets from his hands, shattering them at the foot of the mountain. | As Moshe drew close to the camp, he saw the calf and the dancing before it. Moshe became enraged, he flung the tablets from his hands, shattering them at the foot of the mountain. | ||
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===Eradication of the Golden Calf=== | ===Eradication of the Golden Calf=== |