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Two Sets of Tablets, Aaron and the Golden Calf

Answered by Rabbi Meir Goldberg

Question

How long was it between the first and second tablets? 

Answer

Moshe went up to receive the first tablets on 7 Sivan and broke them on 17 tamuz. He prayed until 1 Elul and received the second tablets on Yom Kippur, 10 tishrei, so there was a total of around 120 days.

Question: Was Aron punished for the golden calf?

Answer: Some commentaries say that Nadav and Avihu, his sons were killed in part as a punishment to Aron. G-d did spare his 2 younger sons.

All the Best,
Rabbi Meir Goldberg

Answered in cooperation with STAR-K Kosher Certification, Baltimore, MD

Follow-up question

Question

Thanks for answering that. Another question I have is what was the stone of Levi on the Urim v’Tumim, the High Priests Breast Plate. Also, who judges Levi when he sins.

Answer

I assume Levi got the third stone “Barekes,” since he was the third son.

Levites are judged by the Sanhedrin – the high court, like everyone else. Even the King or High Priest were judged by the Sanhedrin.