This week's parsha contains the troubling account of the fabrication of a golden calf idol. The Israelites, who have just heard G-d deliver the Ten Commandments, must now wait forty days for Moshe to come down from Mount Sinai, where G-d is teaching him the meaning of the Torah. On the fortieth day, they miscalculate the number of days Moshe has been away and fear that he has died and will not return. Bereft of their leader, the men collect their gold earrings and have them turned into a golden calf idol. The women, however, refuse to contribute their gold jewelry.
Rashi, the medieval Biblical commentator, relates that it was the Satan, the angel-adversary who puts obstacles in our way, who convinces Bnei Yisrael that Moshe has died. Rashi writes that the Satan conjures up an image of "darkness, gloom and confusion." The Midrash tells that the Satan presents a frightening vision of Moshe in a coffin carried by angels. When they see the image, which appears so real, the people lose all hope.
How can the nation that has just witnessed G-d's revelation at Mount Sinai, and has faithfully followed their leader Moshe, be swayed by an illusion?
Harav Boruch Ezrachi teaches that we must always be aware that Satan is capable of creating illusions that seem real. The only thing that can prevail over the false imagery is our firm belief in the truth. When we lack conviction, we provide the Satan with just the opportunity he needs to confuse us and make us lose faith and hope.
As parents, we must never waver in our convictions. We should take our cue from the righteous women who faithfully waited for Moshe's return. When we are in uncertain and trying situations, we must never allow negative thoughts and images to overwhelm us, lest they cause us to lose faith in G-d, or to lose hope in a positive outcome.
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