Final Instructions for the Desert Sanctuary- Additional funds for the construction of the Sanctuary were to be collected in connection with a census of the male Israelite population above the age of twenty: a silver half-shekel was to be contributed by all. Instructions for the fashioning of a washbasin for the priests’ use, and for the compounding of oil and incense (to be used in association with the sacrifices) completed the detailed list of the Sanctuary’s structure and contents. Betzalel and Oholiav are to supervise the entire construction project.

The Golden Calf- While Moses remains on Mount Sinai the people below clamor for a tangible representation of God, and Aaron accedes to their demand, fashioning a Golden Calf. God informs Moses of the sinful proceedings taking place at the foot of the mountain and threatens to wipe out the entire nation. Moses pleads successfully that the people be spared, and then descends to restore order. However, as Moses approaches the camp, he is so enraged by the sight and sounds of the revelry that he smashes the tablets of the law that he has brought from God. Moses melts the Golden Calf, grinds its remains into a powder which he pours into a stream, and forces all the people to drink from it. Three thousand ringleaders are slain. The people express their remorse.

The Second Set of Tablets- God bids Moses to ascend Mount Sinai once again, where he is given a second set of the “Ten Commandments.” Moses received a personal revelation from God in which God imparts to Moses the attributes of mercy, kindness and truth by which He guides the Israelites. Moses returns to the camp after forty days, his face shining with a divine glow. From now on Moses will wear a veil to conceal his features, removing it only when he enters the Sanctuary and comes into God’s presence.