Rabbi Howard Morrison

Dear Congregational Family,

We all know that Pesach is just over three weeks away. Many passages in the Torah summarize the Pilgrimage Festivals, which begin with Pesach. The first mention appeared in Parshat Mishpatim, which we read just a few weeks ago. Why does the Torah reiterate the same Festivals in this week's Parsha so soon after the previous mention? Even though we read Parshat Ki-Tisa at a time when Pesach is fresh in our minds, this is not the reason.

Much of this week's Parsha deals with the episode of the golden calf, which the people referred to as a "Festival to the Lord." In the aftermath, the Israelites had to be reminded what constituted proper Festivals to the Lord. Right before Pesach is reiterated, the Torah states, "You shall not make molten gods for yourselves." The Torah comes to clearly delineate between unacceptable festivals versus  acceptable Festivals.

A comment in the ArtScroll Chumash commentary states, "Observance of the Festivals are the road to faith in God. So too is the Sabbath ..."

As we prepare to celebrate Shabbat weekly and Pesach in a few weeks, may our intent and purpose in what and how we celebrate be authentic, genuine, and meaningful.

Sincerely,

Rabbi Howard Morrison