MAQAM OF THE WEEK: Shabbat Ki Tisa: כי תשא

For Shabbat Ki Tisa, we read about the sad episode of the Golden Calf, and therefore the morning prayers are conducted in Maqam HIJAZ according to Aleppo sources, and Maqam SABA according to Damascus sources. Damascus custom is to only apply Maqam Hijaz for extreme sadness, such as Shabbat Ekha, the Shabbat before Tisha B'Ab. Gabriel A Shrem used to mix Maqam BAYAT with HIJAZ for a week like this one, in order to dilute the sadness of the maqam. ALIYOT: On Shabbat, unlike the usual practice of ending Kohen, Levi, and Yisrael with the weekday stops, Kohen ends at "Shabbat Vayinafash" (31:17), and Levi ends at "Mitokh HaOhel" (33:11) after reading the entire story of "Ma'aseh Ha'Egel" (47 verses). The reason for a Levi to receive the Aliyah discussing the transgression is because the Levites are the only tribe that did not transgress. The passages of this episode are to be chanted in a softer, but audible, tone. Aliyat Shishi (34:4-34:10) is usually reserved for the 13 Attributes of Mercy (13 Midot). MISHMARA: Ki Tisa (Exodus 30:11- 34:35), Jeremiah 18-31, Esther 1-10, Mishnah Sheqalim (Sephardic Pizmonim Project, www.pizmonim.com).

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