Ascending the ramp in haste

Hi,

In what Sefer haChinuch lists as the Torah's 41st mitzvah, HaShem instructed the Jews to build a ramp, rather than steps, leading on to the mizbeiach [altar in the Temple]. As the Torah explains, the purpose is, "so as not to reveal your ervah upon it." Certain parts of a person are classified as "ervah" and are to be covered; taking broad steps on the altar, wearing a tunic, would cause those parts to be more exposed than usual.

According to Sefer haChinuch, there is an added dimension involved in this mitzvah. Taking broad steps displays arrogance and/or frivolity, and we try to conduct ourselves with gravity in the Beit haMikdash. Using a ramp forces a person to take smaller steps and therefore walk with a more disciplined gait.

Regardless of whether the issue is ervah or arrogance, this mitzvah is about the gait rather than the ramp; one who takes broad steps in ascending the ramp is in violation of the law.

Have a great day,
Mordechai

The origin of clothing

Hi,

"They [Adam and Chavah, pre-sin] did not need to wear clothes for the sake of privacy, for all of the parts of the body were sacred. It was only after the sin that they descended from their level, and then bashfulness about one's limbs became relevant as the draw toward sin became more powerful."

(Rav Moshe Feinstein, Igrot Moshe Orach Chaim 2:60)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

The value of Privacy

Hi,

"‘And Gd spoke to Moshe in the Sinai wilderness’ – Until there was a Tent of Meeting, He spoke to Moshe at the bush… and in Egypt… and in Midian… and in Sinai…

"But once the Tent of Meeting stood, He said, ‘Privacy [tzniut צניעות] is good,’… and He spoke to Moshe in the Tent of Meeting."

(Midrash, Bamidbar Rabbah 1:3)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Emotional Privacy

Hi,

"If it is good for a man, and his heart is full of joy, let him reveal his feelings to Gd... thank Him and yearn for Him; but not exhibit them to others, lest an alien gaze desecrate this holy of holies."

(Rav Yosef Dov Soloveitchik, eulogy for R' Zeev Gold, cited by R' Shalom Carmy in Tradition 43:2)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Knock before you enter!

Hi,

"'And Gd called to Moshe [from within the Tent of Meeting], and Gd spoke to him' - We see from here that a scholar who lacks sense is worse than a carcass.

"Learn from Moshe, the father of knowledge and father of prophets, who took the Jews out of Egypt, and by whose hand many miracles were performed in Egypt and awesome deeds were performed at the Sea, who ascended to the heavens and brought the Torah down from the heavens, and who involved himself in creating the Mishkan - Even he did not enter within until 'And Gd called to Moshe, and Gd spoke to him.'"

(Midrash, Vayyikra Rabbah 1:15)

Have a great day,
Mordechai