YU TORAH Ki Tisa: Source of Stubborness By Shira Smiles

It seems that Hashem would have forgiven Bnei Yisroel for the idol worship, but their stubbornness, stiff-neckedness (we would say hard-headedness) was unforgivable. What is it about this trait that is so evil, and, if that is so, how could Moshe then use that trait as the very argument for Hashem to again be in their midst? To understand this dilemma we must first explore the source of stubbornness and then attempt to find ways to harness it and overcome it.