Parshas Ki Sisa begins with G-d commanding Moses to take a census of the Jewish population by collecting one half-shekel piece from each male between the ages of twenty and sixty.  G-d then describes to Moses the kiyor (copper wash basin)that the kohanim (priests)  were to use to sanctify their hands and feet before doing the daily service.  The oil used to anoint holy vessels before their initial use and the recipe of the daily portion of incense are also discussed.

The Torah then describes the  terrible sin of the Golden Calf.  Moses, who had been in heaven receiving the Written and Oral Law, descends from the mountain holding the Ten Commandments.  Upon witnessing Jews dancing around a golden calf, he smashes the tablets on the ground.  Moses prays to G-d to spare the Jews from annihilation; G-d relents.  Once again, Moses ascends Mt. Sinai and remains there for forty days and forty nights.  Ultimately, he returns with a second set of tablets and the promise of a renewed covenant between G-d and the Jewish People.