Ki-Tisa
In Parashat Ki-Tisa we read about the Jewish people at a very dark point in their history, as they came together to worship the golden calf. As a prelude to the worshipping of the golden calf, we read a story where the Jewish people went and talked with Aharon and Hur. They were the leaders in charge while Moshe Rabenu was up receiving the Torah. So the people asked them for permission to construct the golden calf. Hur was very steadfast and adamant in his denial. The people did not accept his answer, and therefore they killed him. Aharon on the other hand tried to stall until Moshe’s return by rationalizing with them and engaging in discussion. Unfortunately though, the situation spiraled out of control and the golden calf was erected. Of course it was not the intent of Aharon to let this happen, as he really tried to delay until such time Moshe returned.
Our Chachamim tell us that Hur received a blessing for his uncompromising position on behalf of Hashem. He was blessed with a grandson whose name was Bitzalel. What was Bitzalel‘s claim to fame? He was the one that fashioned the Mishkan. Our Torah tells us about Bitzalel in this week’s Parasha where it talks of Bitzalel’s extraordinary abilities in spirit, wisdom, insight, and craft. The Torah is going out of its way to tell us how smart, talented and gifted Bitzalel was. The Gemara tells us that Bitzalel, if needed, would be able to use the letters of the Hebrew alphabet and create the world. That’s how gifted Bitzalel was in his spiritual level and his intellect.
Maybe the reason why G-d rewarded Hur with such a wise grandson was based on the rule of Mida Kineged Mida, which is measure for measure. Hur’s greatness was that he made no calculations. When it came to the law he followed it to the letter without fail. He was unyielding. He followed it according to the strictness of the law and he did not waiver or compromise. He did not procrastinate by talking, or by negotiating. When it came to potential idolatry, Hur stood firm and even at the risk of his own life. Hur was a great man for he knew what was right, and he would not tolerate such an opposing belief. That was the greatness of Hur. Hur was a smart man. He probably could have thought some type of loop hole in order to save his life. But he followed the law and attempted to preserve the Jewish way of life. So the notion here is that Hur’s grandson received reward Kineged his grandfather’s actions. Hur’s grandson Bitzalel received the reward of wisdom and ability, whereas his grandfather was strong willed and unyielding.
So Hur did not use his intuition and smarts to stall with negotiation tactics. So for his strength and uncompromising position, he was awarded a grandson bearing opposite traits. Hur’s grandson Bitzalel had the greatest brain. He served G-d and used reasoning and calculation. But Hur himself served G-d without calculation. So, the lesson we learn here is to stay the course and serve Bore Olam with only pure thoughts. Be straight like Hur, and do not sway. And as result, your children and grandchildren will receiving a blessing of Mida Kineged Mida, meaning they will be blessed like Bitzalel, and they will be smart, talented, and spiritual.
