Beth HaDerech; Messianic Jewish Teachings Online

Appropriating His Community: Moshe Rabenu

Weekly Sidra: Ki Tisa (when you lift up) Torah Portion: Shemot / Exodus 30:1-34:35 Haftorah: Melachim Alef / I Kings 18:20-18:39 This parashah, Ki Tisa begins with the giving of the half shekel by every man over 20 years, equally rich and poor alike as an offering to make atonement for their souls.  This takes place after the golden calf incident showing us that we cannot take this book chronologically but according to the stories and pictures it is telling us. We have become so caught up in the idea that only the shedding of blood can bring atonement and forgiveness for our sins.  Here is another paradigm shift where the focus is not on the subject but on the One who brings true atonement or forgiveness.  Forgiveness can only come from God; it does not lie in the ransom money or in the animal sacrifices.  The more we read about [...]