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Why does the Mishkan serve as testimony to forgiveness for the Golden Calf rather than the giving of the second luchos? The meticulous accounting (pekudei) proves that Bnei Yisrael built it with genuine love, not resentment. True kapara requires internal transformation - accepting total accountability demonstrates complete commitment and creates the authentic change needed for real teshuvah.
This shiur explores Rashi (רש"י)'s commentary on the opening verses of Parshas Pekudei, addressing several fundamental questions about the nature of kapara (atonement) for chet ha'egel (the sin of the Golden Calf). The Rav begins by questioning why the Mishkan, rather than the giving of the second luchos, serves as testimony to forgiveness for the Golden Calf. Additionally, he asks why this discussion appears in Parshas Pekudei rather than in Parshas Vayakhel, and why Rashi brings the dispute between Moshe and Betzalel regarding construction order here. The core insight emerges through understanding that true kapara requires more than divine forgiveness - it demands fundamental change within the person or nation. The Rav argues that the kapara for chet ha'egel was not the mere construction of the Mishkan, but rather how it was built. The meticulous accounting (pekudei) demonstrates that Bnei Yisrael approached this project with genuine desire and love, not resentment or obligation.
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Parshas Pekudei, Shemos 38:21
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