Ki Sisa 5786 - Having an Attitude

After Moshe shattered the first set of Tablets upon seeing the Jewish people celebrating around the Golden Calf, Hashem instructed him:

“Carve for yourself two stone Tablets like the first ones, and I shall inscribe on the Tablets the words that were on the first Tablets, which you shattered….No man may ascend with you nor may anyone be seen on the entire mountain, even the flock and the cattle may not graze facing that mountain.” (Shemos 34:1,3).

This event stands in stark contrast to the giving of the first Tablets. The original revelation at Har Sinai was extraordinarily public. Thunder and lightning surrounded the mountain, and the entire nation stood at its base witnessing the momentous event (Shemos 19:16–17).

The second Tablets, however, were given privately. Moshe ascended the mountain alone, and even animals were not permitted to approach it. Why was there such a dramatic difference between the two occasions?

Rashi explains that the first Tablets were subject to the “evil eye” (ayin hara) because they were given amid great public display and fanfare. They ultimately did not endure, as Moshe broke them upon descending the mountain. The second Tablets, however, were given quietly and privately between Hashem and Moshe, and they endured. As Rashi concludes: “There is nothing more beautiful than modesty.”

At first glance, this explanation is puzzling. The public revelation at Sinai inspired awe and reverence for the Torah not only among the Jewish people but throughout the world (see Shemos Rabbah 5:9; Zevachim 116a). If so, why would the quieter giving of the second Tablets be considered superior?

The answer lies in the deeper meaning of tznius (modesty). Tznius is not limited to clothing; it reflects an entire approach to serving Hashem. It means serving Him sincerely and quietly, without seeking attention or admiration from others.

When mitzvos are performed publicly, it can sometimes affect our intentions. Even subconsciously, a person may become concerned with how others perceive him. Public actions can also attract jealousy or competition from others, which may detract from the purity of the act. The second Tablets were given privately, emphasizing a relationship between Hashem and Moshe that was pure and unadorned by public display.

This idea is beautifully expressed in the prophet Micha’s well-known teaching:“He has told you, O man, what is good, and what Hashem requires of you: only to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly (הצנע לכת) with your God.” (Micah 6:8).

The Radak explains that our relationship with Hashem is fundamentally internal and personal. It exists within the heart and soul, and therefore Micha describes it as “walking humbly” with Hashem — a quiet and private connection not meant for public display.

This message is particularly relevant today. We live in an age of social media that encourages people to publicize even their most private experiences. Individuals often compete for “likes,” followers, and recognition. Some even build careers as “influencers,” promoting products and lifestyles to large audiences.

In such an environment, preserving a sense of privacy and modesty can be challenging. Yet Rashi reminds us that a central element of serving Hashem is tznius — serving Him sincerely and quietly.

Even when we participate in public religious life — attending synagogue, celebrating holidays, or participating in communal events — we should strive to maintain an inner sense of humility. The focus should remain on our relationship with Hashem rather than on how we appear to others.

Ultimately, spiritual achievements that are built on humility and sincerity are the ones that endure. Just as the second Tablets, given in modesty and privacy, became the lasting foundation of the Torah, so too our quiet and sincere service of Hashem can create enduring spiritual growth.