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Dvar for Yitro (Exodus 18:1-20:23)

SP
Short, practical, relevant Weekly Dvar
Wed, Feb 15, 2017 7:44 PM

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The last sentence of this week's Parsha states that ramps should lead to
the altar (Exodus 20:23). Why are ramps used and not steps? Rashi says the
issue is one of modesty. If there were steps, the robe of the priest would
be upset while he climbed them, revealing the nakedness of his limbs. With
ramps, this would not occur.

Rabbi Avi Weiss offers another idea. The altar symbolizes a central place
of spirituality, the ramps connecting the ground with the altar teach that
in order to reach the higher world of the spirit one must be in constant
motion.  Ramps imply perpetual movement, whereas steps can offer rest. In
the world of the spirit, one can either ascend or descend, never can one
stand still.

Shlomo Ressler


Quotation of the Week:
"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter
and those who matter don’t mind." - Dr. Seuss

This Lelamed Dvar is also available in your local App Store (iTunes and Android). I hope you enjoy and share this Dvar... _______________________________________________ The last sentence of this week's Parsha states that ramps should lead to the altar (Exodus 20:23). Why are ramps used and not steps? Rashi says the issue is one of modesty. If there were steps, the robe of the priest would be upset while he climbed them, revealing the nakedness of his limbs. With ramps, this would not occur. Rabbi Avi Weiss offers another idea. The altar symbolizes a central place of spirituality, the ramps connecting the ground with the altar teach that in order to reach the higher world of the spirit one must be in constant motion. Ramps imply perpetual movement, whereas steps can offer rest. In the world of the spirit, one can either ascend or descend, never can one stand still. Shlomo Ressler _______________________________________________ Quotation of the Week: "Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind." - Dr. Seuss