This week’s Torah portion is Ki Tissa, which covers Exodus 30:11–34:35. It is also the week Jews in Israel and abroad celebrate Purim. Purim is the joyous Jewish holiday that marks the survival of the Jewish people in the ancient Persian Empire after a plot to annihilate them was thwarted by the bravery of Esther and the steadfastness of Mordecai.

This week’s Torah portion presents a narrative pendulum that swings from Israel’s highest high—the giving of the ten commandments—to her lowest low—the casting of the golden calf.

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