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Why does Hashem (ה׳) first tell Moshe to descend from his greatness, then immediately offer to make him father of a new nation? The shiur traces two distinct phases: Moshe initially couldn't even pray due to the sin's severity, but physically grabbed onto Hashem in speechless love. Only this demonstration of unconditional devotion elevated him from functional leader to someone worthy of founding a new people.
This shiur examines the complex sequence of events in Parshas Ki Sisa following the Golden Calf incident, focusing on several textual difficulties. The primary question addresses an apparent contradiction: Hashem (ה׳) first tells Moshe to 'descend from your greatness' (reid migedulascha) since his leadership was only for the Jewish people, but then immediately offers to destroy the nation and make Moshe the father of a new great nation. The analysis centers on understanding the phrase 'hanicha li' (leave me alone) that Hashem says to Moshe before Moshe begins praying. Rashi (רש"י) explains this as Hashem opening a door (patach lo pesach (פסח)) to let Moshe know that the fate of the people depends on his prayers. However, the Gemara (גמרא) in Berachos 32a offers a different interpretation, describing Moshe as physically grabbing onto Hashem like someone clutching a friend's garment, refusing to let go until forgiveness is granted.
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Ki Sisa 32:7-14
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