What is the reason for the command to count Bnei Yisrael in Parashat Ki Tisa? In this shiur, we will focus on the connection between the count and going out to war. In this light, we will also discuss what was improper about the census at the time of King David, which resulted in a plague.
In this shiur, we will compare and contrast a number of parallel passages in Parshiyot Misphpatim and Ki Tisa, focusing on the differences resulting from the sin of the golden calf, which took place in the interim.
Rashi and Ramban famously dispute whether the command to build the Mishkan was issued independently of the sin of the golden calf or only after it. In this shiur, we will discuss very proofs that can be brought for both sides of this dispute, which remains unresolved.
Unlike the sin of the spies, the sin of the golden calf was largely forgiven. What was the reason for this change in God's approach to our sins, and how can we apply this dichotomy to other points in the history of the people of Israel?
