This week our Torah portion focuses on the story of the Golden Calf. To get the most out of this narrative, we must go back to Exodus 24 and read about the great covenantal ceremony when the whole nation spoke with one voice and promised to obey God.

The sense of smell is powerful. It can serve as a warning when you smell dangerous odors. On the other hand, our sense of smell brings back memories like grandma’s kitchen.

This week our Torah portion describes the way of life that God gave to Israel. The laws reflect the character of God.

This week, our Torah portion describes the escape from Egypt to the Red Sea and the beginning of the wilderness wanderings on the way to Sinai. The people do not understand the big picture.

I once saw a television advertisement for a smartphone company in which a child is given a large lollipop. Then another child standing nearby receives a much smaller lollipop.

It goes without saying that everything that happens in the world is somehow connected to God. Some things happen because humankind is disobedient and rebellious. Sometimes things happen because we live in a fallen world and there is no one to blame.