Even Moshe Wore a Mask - Parshat Ki Tisa

(29) So Moses came down from Mount Sinai. And as Moses came down from the mountain bearing the two tablets of the Pact, Moses was not aware that the skin of his face was radiant, since he had spoken with God. (30) Aaron and all the Israelites saw that the skin of Moses’ face was radiant; and they were afraid to come near him.

(31) But Moses called to them, and Aaron and all the chieftains in the assembly returned to him, and Moses spoke to them. (32) Afterward all the Israelites came near, and he instructed them concerning all that the Eternal had spoken to him on Mount Sinai. (33) And when Moses had finished speaking with them, he put a mask over his face. (34) Whenever Moses went in before the Eternal, to speak with God, he would remove the mask until he came out; and when he came out and told the Israelites what he had been commanded, (35) the Israelites would see how radiant the skin of Moses’ face was. Moses would then return the mask back over his face until he went in to speak with God.

(7) Now Moses would take the Tent and pitch it outside the camp, at some distance from the camp. It was called the Tent of Meeting, and whoever sought the Eternal would go out to the Tent of Meeting that was outside the camp. (8) Whenever Moses went out to the Tent, all the people would rise and stand, each at the entrance of their tent, and gaze after Moses until he had entered the Tent. (9) And when Moses entered the Tent, the pillar of cloud would descend and stand at the entrance of the Tent, while God spoke with Moses. (10) When all the people saw the pillar of cloud poised at the entrance of the Tent, all the people would rise and bow low, each at the entrance of his tent. (11) The Eternal would speak to Moses face to face, as one man speaks to his fellow. And he would then return to the camp; but his attendant, Joshua son of Nun, a youth, would not stir out of the Tent.

(20) But,” said the Eternal, “you cannot see My face, for man may not see Me and live.” (21) And the Eternal said, “See, there is a place near Me. Station yourself on the rock (22) and, as My Presence passes by, I will put you in a cleft of the rock and shield you with My hand until I have passed by. (23) Then I will take My hand away and you will see My back; but My face must not be seen.”