Old Testament Culture

 Calves are common occurrences in eastern religious beliefs. Calves represent fertility and strength. When Moses did not return to the Israelites, they assumed he was dead. As Moses was their only contact with Yahweh, they needed a new god that could go before him, and naturally took up the calf. 

A Jewish calendar would have sacrifices morning and evening, prayer morning, evening, and noon, and rest on the sabbath every week. Every month would have a New Moon Feast. Every seven years was a sabbath year. Every fiftieth year was a jubilee year, when all debs were forgiven.