In Parashat Ki-Tisa we read the tragic story of cheit ha-eigel, the golden calf. After Bnei Yisrael fashioned the golden calf and offered sacrifices to it, "the nation sat to eat and drink, and they [then] got up to revel" (32:6).

The Midrash (Shemot Rabba 41) comments on the word "va-yeishev" ("sat") used by the Torah in this context. While this term makes perfect sense in this story, the Midrash observes a pattern of its usage in Biblical stories involving sins. The story of Migdal Bavel began when the people "settled" ("va-yeishvu") in the Shinar Valley (Bereishit 11:2). Likewise, in the story of mechirat Yosef, we read that the brothers "sat to eat bread" ("va-yeishvu le-ekhol lechem" - Bereishit 37:25) just before they sold Yosef as a slave. Here, too, in the context of the golden calf, we find the nation "sitting to eat" - "va-yeishev ha-am le-ekhol." The Midrash concludes, "Wherever you find 'sitting,' you find transgression."
 

The Midrash warns that feeling too content with one's achievements and spiritual condition can often lead to wrongful behavior. Religious devotion requires desire for growth and advancement. The Sages saw within the pattern of "va-yeishev," a warning against feeling too comfortable. While we must certainly take pride and satisfaction in what we've achieved, we must also be concerned about what we have yet to achieve. 
 

These past few weeks have been weeks of growth at Hillel Academy. This past Shabbat we celebrated the Sindler families endowment of the Joshua Sindler, z'l Creative Classrooms Art and Music Program with a community-wide Eitan Katz concert. The Girls High School hit a home run with their production of "A Night In Neverland", and we celebrated Purim as a school, with costumes, dancing, and tons of ruach.  Hopefully, as we continue on the calendar towards Pesach, we will continue our trajectory of growth as a community, a school, and individuals. 
 

Have a wonderful Shabbat!
 

Rabbi Sam Weinberg