Aaron and the Golden Calf

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Aaron's Golden Calf Betrayal

TANAKH

Aaron, the brother of Moses and high priest, played a direct and active role in the creation of the Golden Calf, a pivotal moment in the Israelites' journey. The book of Exodus recounts the Israelites' demand for a tangible god during Moses' absence, leading Aaron to collect gold, mold the calf, and declare a festival to יהוה.

When the people saw that Moses was so long in coming down from the mountain, the people gathered against Aaron and said to him, “Come, make us a god who shall go before us, for that fellow Moses—the man who brought us from the land of Egypt—we do not know what has happened to him.” Aaron said to them, “[You men,] take off the gold rings that are on the ears of your wives, your sons, and your daughters, and bring them to me.” And all the people took off the gold rings that were in their ears and brought them to Aaron…

Exodus 32:1-5

Aaron's Divine Reward

MIDRASH

Aaron's appointment as high priest was a divine reward for his pious intentions during a challenging incident, despite the appearance of his actions. Louis Ginzberg’s early 20th-century work, Legends of the Jews, offers a narrative synthesis of Jewish folklore and biblical stories, including the appointment of Aaron as high priest.

Simultaneously with the construction of the Tabernacle and its vessels, were fashioned the priestly robes for Aaron and his sons. It was at this time that God made known Aaron's appointment to the office of high priest, saying: "Go and appoint a high priest." Moses: "Out of which tribe?" God: "Of the tribe of Levi." Moses was most happy upon hearing that the high priest was to be chosen out of his tribe, and his joy was increased when God added: "Appoint thy brother Aaron as high priest." This choice of Aaron was, of course, also a disappointment to Moses…

Legends of the Jews 3:3:32

Words Misunderstood, Faith Shaken

TALMUD

Aaron’s explanation of the incident led to a misunderstanding that suggested the idol had divine power, causing skeptics to renounce their beliefs. Rabbi Shimon ben Elazar, in the Babylonian Talmud in tractate Moed Katan, emphasizes the importance of careful speech, using Aaron’s account from Exodus 32:21-25 as a cautionary example.

The Tosefta continues: The second narrative of the incident of the Golden Calf is read but not translated. Egel, the Hebrew word for calf, begins with an ayin, the second letter in the mnemonic. The Gemara explains: What is the second narrative of the incident of the Golden Calf? Aaron’s account of what had taken place, from “And Moses said to Aaron” (Exodus 32:21) until “And Moses saw” (Exodus 32:25). With regard to Aaron’s account…

Megillah 25b:11-12

Aaron's Fear and Justification

MIDRASH

Aaron's actions were driven by fear for his life after witnessing the people's violence. Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer, an eighth-century midrashic work, provides a detailed account of Aaron's justification for his actions, emphasizing the threat he perceived from the people.

Moses said to Aaron: What hast thou done to this people? Thou hast made them unruly, like a woman who is unchecked owing to immorality. He said to Moses: I saw what they did to Hur, and I feared very greatly.

Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer 45:9

Aaron and the Two Calves

COMMENTARY

The narrative involving Aaron and the calf is complex, and knowing what can be publicized about it is crucial to preserving Aaron's image. Rabbeinu Bachya, a 13th-century Spanish commentator, notes the importance of not translating the second part of the story to the masses.

ואשליכהו באש ויצא העגל הזה, “I threw it into the fire and there emerged this calf.” Our sages called whatever has been mentioned in connection with the calf up to this point, “the first calf.” The story from this point on, i.e. Aaron’s personal account is known as the “second calf.” This is important to realize as our sages have said (Megillah 25) that the portion of the “first calf” may be read from the Torah as well as translated into another language, whereas the part commencing here may be read in public only in Hebrew…

Rabbeinu Bahya, Shemot 32:24:1

Aaron's Role in the Creation of the Idol

COMMENTARY

Rashi downplays Aaron's responsibility in the creation of the idol, suggesting his minimal involvement. Rashi, the renowned 11th-century French biblical commentator, provides a nuanced interpretation of Aaron's role in this pivotal event.

ואמר להם AND I SAID UNTO THEM one single thing, — simply, “Who has any gold?” — but they hastened and broke it off from themselves and gave it to me.

Rashi on Exodus 32:24:1

The Adoration of the Golden Calf (Aaron in the middle, wearing the priestly breastplate). By a Venetian Master, 18th century, Städel Museum collection

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