When did Moshe ascend Har Sinai to atone for Yisrael's sin?
Rashi: On the 18th of Tamuz 1 until the 29th of Av, when Hashem forgave Yisrael for the sin of the 'Eigel. 2
In Sh'mos 33:11, Rashi explained that Moshe ascended Har Sinai for the second time on the 19th of Tamuz! See Sifsei Chachamim there.
Rashi: The atonement was only complete however, when, after ascending the Mountain for the third time on Rosh Chodesh Elul, he descended with the second Luchos on Yom Kipur, and Hashem forgave them with Simchah and announced 'Salachti ki'Devarecha!' - which explains why Yom Kipur became the day of atonement.
?Va?esnapal Lifnei Hashem ba?Rishonah ? ?. What is the significance of the fact that Moshe fell on his face before Hashem?
R. Bachye #1 (citing Chazal 1 ): We learn from Moshe that Tefilah requires sitting (Keri?as Sh?ma), standing (the Amidah) and falling on one?s face (Nefilas Apayim) - since we find all three in Moshe? Tefilah following the sin of the Eigel. 2
R. Bachye #2 (citing Midrash Tehilam): It teaches us that Moshe did not leave one corner in the entire Heaven where he did not Daven (on behalf of Yisrael).
