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How did Aaron become involved in making the golden calf?
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Aaron
Aaron, detail of a 3rd-century fresco from the synagogue at Doura-Europus, Syria; in the National Museum, Damascus
According to the Old Testament account in Exodus 32, the Hebrews escaping Egypt requested that Aaron fashion a golden calf while his brother Moses was absent on Mt. Sinai.1
Interpretations regarding Aaron's involvement vary within Jewish exegesis:
- Fear of harm: Some exegetes suggest that Aaron participated in the creation of the idol to avoid being killed by the people.2
- Symbolic representation: The 11th-century commentator Rashi argued that the calf was intended as a symbol of Moses, who was away on the mountain at the time.2
The worship of the golden calf is considered a supreme act of apostasy, representing a rejection of the faith. Upon his return, Moses destroyed the idol and required the people to drink the pulverized remains as an ordeal to distinguish the faithful from the unfaithful.1