"Then the Lord said to Moses, “Say to the Israelites, ‘You must observe my Sabbaths. This will be a sign between me and you for the generations to come, so you may know that I am the Lord, who makes you holy."

Exodus 31:12-13

Hi friend,

This coming Shabbat's Torah portion, read on Saturday, February 28th, is Parashat Ki Tisa. The portion discusses the census of the Israelites, the washbasin of the Tabernacle, the anointing oils for the priests and kings, the incense offering, and the Sabbath. The Torah then relates the story of the Golden Calf, G‑d‘s anger at the Jewish nation, Moses successfully arguing for Divine forgiveness for the sin, the subsequent breaking of the tablets, and the giving of the second tablets.

Root Source began with a simple calling—to show up in faith and love. Today, that calling needs committed partners to carry it forward. Check below!

Join us in exploring the Weekly Bible Chapter: Deceptive Demagoguery and The Politics Of False Nostalgia by Gil Troy with Rabbi Avraham Norin, and let’s learn and reflect together! 

Please enjoy this teaching of our beloved Root Source teacher, Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz of blessed memory, about this week's Torah portion, Ki Tissah, and share your thoughts with us!

Last week, our popular Root Source teacher Rabbi Gedalia Meyer talked about Tetzave. Watch it below.

Participate in our enlightening lesson Rabbi Yehudah Glick talked about Psalm 122. Watch it below.

Check below to hear what Gidon Ariel and Bob O'Dell have to share. Watch it below.

We sign off with a nice comment and a beautiful photo of Great Crater, Israel.

Shalom,

Gidon Ariel and Bob O’Dell 
Root Source Founders

G‑d commands Moses to take a census of the Jewish adult male population by collecting an atonement offering of half a silver shekel from each individual. The collected silver was melted down, and was made into sockets for the beams of the Tabernacle. G‑d instructs Moses to make a copper washstand for the Tabernacle. The priests would use this laver to wash their hands and feet before their service. G‑d tells Moses the recipe for making holy “anointing oil.” This oil, which was prepared with various aromatic herbs and fine spices, was used to anoint and sanctify the Tabernacle, its vessels, and Aaron and his sons. The remainder of the oil was put aside, and was used to anoint kings and high priests of future generations. G‑d also gives Moses the formula for the incense which was offered twice-daily in the Tabernacle. 

A personal note from Gidon

Root Source was born from a belief that showing up matters—rooted in faith, responsibility, and a deep love for Israel. At this pivotal moment, we invite you to help carry that mission forward by becoming a committed monthly partner.

Korach is Jewish history’s Disreputable Rebel. But for a tradition proud of producing mavericks like Abraham and Baruch Spinoza, Theodor Herzl and Menachem Begin, Betty Friedan and Natan Sharansky, rebellion is not necessarily wicked. In fact, what Shimon Peres called the “Jewish dissatisfaction gene” generated 66 volumes of Talmudic debate, billions in start-up revenue, innovations galore in theology, technology, philosophy, philanthropy, academia, science.

Psalm 122

Comments

"Hi Gidon, I just wanted to say thank you for recognizing there is a need for people like me that want to learn more about Judaism. I am so happy you and Bob created Root-Source. I truly appreciate you."

Great Crater, Israel

Enjoy this photo of the Great Crater, Israel by Shai Pal.

Copyright © 2026 Root Source, All rights reserved. 
You are receiving this email because you signed up on root-source.com.