Chazal on the Parshah
It is our longstanding custom to study Chitas, which includes a daily portion of the weekly Parshah—accompanied by Rashi’s commentary, explaining the plain meaning of the text. However, during the weeks when the Torah portions of Terumah, Tetzaveh, and Ki Sisa are read, we should also study the homiletic teachings of our Sages on the daily portions.
Original command: Unlike the subsequent Torah portions, Vayakhel and Pekudei, where the Torah merely repeats all the information (specified in Terumah, Tetzaveh, and Ki Sisa) to indicate that it was all actually implemented, these Parshas contain the original commands.
The beginning of Parshas Ki Sisa contains instructions regarding the construction of the water-basin (Kiyar) and its base, as well as the incense (Ketores).
