Parshas Ki Sisa for Kids

פרשת כי תשא

Moshe is on the mountain forty days, and below the people build a golden calf. He shatters the luchos, davens for them, and climbs back up to bring down a second set - and comes down with his face shining.

In a Torah Tale book, your own child is the hero of this story - drawn from their photo, on every page, in their own name. Written under rabbinical guidance with strict tznius, printed and shipped to your door in English, Hebrew or Yiddish.

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What happens in Parshas Ki Sisa

Every person gives a half shekel coin; Rashi says Hashem showed Moshe a coin of fire so he would know exactly what it looked like. Betzalel is chosen to build the Mishkan, and Hashem reminds us that Shabbos comes first, even before building the Mishkan. Moshe is on Har Sinai for forty days, and some people below think he is not coming back.

Rashi explains that the erev rav, the mixed crowd that left Mitzrayim with Bnei Yisrael, made the golden calf, and Aharon tried to delay them. Moshe comes down, and when he sees the calf he breaks the luchos. Then he davens with all his heart for his people, and Hashem teaches him the thirteen middos of rachamim. Moshe goes up once more, and on Yom Kippur he comes down with the second luchos and Hashem's forgiveness, his face shining with light.

Lessons and middos for children

  • Teshuvah

    Even after a mistake, Hashem welcomed Bnei Yisrael back and gave them new luchos. We can say sorry and start again.

  • Davening for others

    Moshe Rabbeinu davened for his people with all his heart. We can daven for our family, our friends, and all of Klal Yisrael.

  • Patience

    Some people could not wait for Moshe to come back. Waiting calmly and trusting is a strong middah.

Questions for the Shabbos table

  1. Why do you think Hashem showed Moshe a coin made of fire?
  2. Why do you think Moshe davened so hard for the people?
  3. What can we do when we make a mistake?
  4. Why do you think Moshe's face was shining when he came down?

How your child steps into the story

Your child waits at the foot of Har Sinai, and is there when Moshe Rabbeinu comes down on Yom Kippur carrying the second luchos, his face shining. The story ends with Bnei Yisrael forgiven and ready to build the Mishkan in Vayakhel.