Aliya Summary: The Israelites were left traumatized by the
overwhelming revelation, the awesome "light and sound" show. They turned
to Moshe and asked that from thereon he serve as an intermediary
between them and G‑d—Moshe should hear G‑d's word and transmit it to the
people. Moshe agreed. The reading concludes with a prohibition against
creating idolatrous graven images – considering that no image was seen
when G‑d revealed Himself on Mount Sinai – and the commandment to erect a
sacrificial altar. The altar stones should not be hewn with iron
implements, nor should there be steps leading to the top of the altar.
Metal
implements represent the sword, which shortens life; the Altar
represents the lengthening of life. From this rule comes the custom to
remove or cover the bread-knife during Birkat HaMazon, since our table
is likened to the Altar.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment