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

No iron on the altar

Hi,

The Torah disqualifies stones that have been cut with iron from use for the mizbeiach [altar for offerings to Gd]; according to Sefer haChinuch, this is the fortieth mitzvah in the Torah. There is some debate as to whether we may use stones that were cut before their dedication, but certainly we may not use iron tools to shape the stones once they have been dedicated. (See Tosafot Succah 49a and Minchat Chinuch 40:2.)

Sefer haChinuch explains that iron symbolizes the spilling of blood, as well as general destruction; it is inappropriate to build an altar, the locus of atonement and the site at which blessings and peace are generated, with a destructive tool.

It is noteworthy that we do use iron for other mitzvot. For example, the Rambam ruled that the ideal material for a circumcision knife is iron (Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Milah 2:1; see Perishah to Tur Yoreh Deah 264:7 and Chatam Sofer to Shabbat 134b for fascinating related comments).

Have a great day,
Mordechai

The goal of shemitah: Eliminate brutality

Hi,

"That which Shabbat accomplishes for each individual, shemitah accomplishes for the nation as a whole… And if that brutality which must accompany the structure of on-going communal life reduces the gentle character of ethical life… then halting the social order in specific ways, from time to time, brings this nation – when it is established on its foundation – to powerful elevation to the heights of the inner traits of ethical, spiritual life…"

את אותה הפעולה שהשבת פועלת על כל יחיד, פועלת היא השמטה על האומה בכללה... ואם אותה האביריות המוכרחת להתלוות עם כל סדר של חיי-צבור קבועים גורמת להקטין את עדינות־החיים המוסרית... הנה הפסקת הסדר החברתי בצדדים ידועים מתקופה לתקופה, מביאה לאומה זו, כשהיא מסודרת על מכונה, לידי עליתה העצמית למרומי התכונות הפנימיות שבחיים המוסריים והרוחנים...

(Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak Kook, Shabbat haAretz, Introduction)

חג עצמאות שמח,

Mordechai

The value of life

Hi,

"Life achieves its potential value only to the extent that it is godly."

החיים שוים הם את ערכם רק באותה מדה שהם אלוקיים

(Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak Kook, Introduction to Shabbat ha'Aretz)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

The importance of purity of purpose

Hi,

"As the filth of a stain or grease on a precious garment destroys the status of the garment, so an external interest which is manifest as part of a spiritual pursuit entirely destroys, ruins and eliminates the value of its precious character."

(Rabbi Yehonatan Eliasberg, Darchah shel Torah 9)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

In G-d I will trust

Hi,

"Behold, the mighty G-d is my salvation; I will trust, and I will not fear, for strength and praise are with G-d, and He has been my salvation, and you will draw water, celebrating joyously, from the springs of salvation."

(Yeshayah 12:2-3)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

A time of prophecy for all

Hi,

"And after that, I will pour out My spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and daughters will prophesy, and your elders will dream dreams, and your youths will see visions."

(Yoel 3:1)

Have a great day,

Mordechai