Dvar Torah for Parshat Ki Tisa

Based on Likutey Moharan II, Lesson #9

[Moshe] took the calf...burned it and ground it fine. Then he scattered
it.... (Exodus 32:20)

What pushes us to make a golden calf? Too much money, an inclination to
gluttony and an appetite for public licentiousness. (How much money is too
much? Depends on who you are.) Each of these is both a cause and an effect
of dissatisfaction, the "ashes" that cover and extinguish the holy flame of
the Jewish heart.

How to spark your heart so that your enthusiasm burns brightly, shiningly
and in a controlled manner? Let the tzaddik blow off the ashes by breathing
some life into you. "Whoever is for God, join me" (Exodus 32:26)! By
answering his invitation and seeking his teaching, his wisdom and advice,
you already begin to taste the joy that comes with being in sync with
yourself. The strength that results from such joy enables to deal with
challenges that you may face (including the temporary eclipse of the
tzaddik's wisdom that everyone experiences, sooner or later).

The invitation has already been mailed. Without an answer in the
affirmative one cannot be helped.

Happy Purim Katan!

agutn Shabbos!
Shabbat Shalom!