Shabbat Chol HaMoed Sukkot
Exodus 32:12–34:26
Haftarah: Ezekiel 38:18–39:16

This week’s Torah and Haftarah portions call us to reflect on the intricate balance between human failure, divine judgment, and God’s grace. The narrative of the golden calf, Moses' advocacy for Israel, and the renewal of the covenant in Exodus 32-34 holds profound lessons for our spiritual lives, especially during Sukkot, a festival that celebrates trust in God amidst uncertainty. These passages also echo in the future-oriented prophecy of Ezekiel, urging us to consider how God’s grace will ultimately prevail even in the most dire circumstances.

The golden calf incident in Exodus 32 stands as a sobering reminder of Israel’s human weakness. While Moses was on Mount Sinai, receiving the covenant, the people grew impatient, demanding an idol from Aaron—something they could see and control. Aaron's creation of the golden calf represents a crisis of faith, a moment when the people turned away from God, forgetting His presence and provision. This tendency to rely on what is visible rather than trusting in the unseen is a recurring struggle for us, especially today.

Moses advocated for Israel, pleading with God not to destroy them despite their sin. He did not defend their actions but instead appealed to God’s grace, reminding Him of His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Moses’ intercession highlights a critical aspect of God’s character: God’s relationship with Israel is not based on their perfection but on His unshakable commitment to the covenant He established. In response, God relented from the full destruction He had threatened, choosing instead to continue His journey with Israel.

In Exodus 33, as Israel prepares to set out again, God reassures Moses that His presence will go with them. This moment of reassurance ties deeply into the meaning of Sukkot. Just as Israel wandered in the wilderness, living in temporary shelters, completely dependent on God for guidance, food, and protection, so too does Sukkot remind us of the fragility of our lives and our need to trust in God’s provision. God's promise in Exodus 33:14, "My presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest," is a powerful reminder of His unwavering commitment to His people, despite their failings. It invites us to trust in His presence, even when the future seems uncertain or our path unclear.

God’s renewal of the covenant in Exodus 34 brings this full circle, promising to perform miracles and to lead His people. This renewal is not simply a restoration—it is a forward-looking commitment, a promise that despite Israel’s sin, God will continue to guide them and perform wonders on their behalf. This echoes thecentrality of grace and redemption, where God's plan moves forward even when humanity stumbles.

The Haftarah portion from Ezekiel 38 is a vivid reminder of the final battles to come, when nations will rise against Israel. The prophecy reads: 

“It will come about on that day, when Gog comes against the land of Israel,” declares the Lord God, “that My fury will mount up in My anger. In My zeal and in My blazing wrath I declare that on that day there will certainly be a great earthquake in the land of Israel. The fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, the animals of the field, all the crawling things that crawl on the earth, and all mankind who are on the face of the earth will shake at My presence; and the mountains will be thrown down, the steep pathways will collapse, and every wall will fall to the ground. And I will call for a sword against him on all My mountains,” declares the Lord God. “Every man’s sword will be against his brother. With plague and with blood I will enter into judgment with him; and I will rain on him and on his troops, and on the many peoples who are with him, a torrential rain, hailstones, fire, and brimstone. So I will prove Myself great, show Myself holy, and make Myself known in the sight of many nations; and they will know that I am the LORD”
Ezekiel 38:18–23

This passage, often read during Sukkot, connects the past to the future, reminding us that just as Israel faced enemies in the wilderness and had to trust in God, so too will they face enemies in the final days. As Ezekiel prophesies, God will again intervene decisively, not just to defend Israel, but to demonstrate His power and sovereignty before all nations. Just as Israel had to trust God for survival in the wilderness, so too must we lift up our faces and trust in Him during times of warfare, chaos, and uncertainty.

In both ancient and modern contexts, Israel has faced seemingly insurmountable enemies. Today, just as in the days of Exodus and Ezekiel, it is easy to feel overwhelmed when we look at the threats against the Jewish people. Yet, the message of these scriptures is clear: God is in control, and His deliverance does not depend on our strength but on His power and grace. As we face battles—whether spiritual, personal, or communal—we are reminded that our victory comes from God’s hand, not our own.

Finally, while many find excitement in discussions about the end times, looking forward to God’s final victory, we must not lose sight of those who are suffering now. The anticipation of future glory does not diminish the pain and trials of the present. For many, the wilderness is not metaphorical—it is a real experience of loss, fear, and extreme uncertainty. As we lift our eyes in hope for the coming of the Lord, let us also extend our hands in compassion to those who are still in the midst of their own wilderness journeys. We are called to trust God’s grace not only for ourselves but to reflect that grace to others, especially in times of suffering and trial.

Shabbat Shalom,
Moran