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Why does the Torah (תורה) place the Sanhedrin next to the altar? The shiur explores the ramp (not steps) leading to the altar as teaching non-self-awareness during divine service. Judges, like those serving at the altar, must transmit the law without personal discretion—pure servants, not principals—and true kindness requires focusing on others, not on our own spiritual growth.
Rabbi Zweig examines three questions arising from Rashi (רש"י)'s statement that the Sanhedrin should be seated next to the Mizbeach (altar): What is the logic of this placement? Why does the Gemara (גמרא) emphasize that the social justice laws of Parshas Mishpatim are "from Sinai" when we already know from the Ten Commandments that interpersonal laws were given at Sinai? And how does looking at the Mizbeach teach anything about shalom (peace)? The key to answering these questions lies in understanding one specific law of the altar: the prohibition against building steps leading up to it. The Torah (תורה) requires a ramp instead, ostensibly to prevent the kohen's genitalia from being exposed. Rashi himself asks the obvious question—the kohanim wore pants, so nothing would be exposed anyway. Rashi's answer is that steps create a situation that is "close to nakedness."
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Parshas Mishpatim (Shemos 21-24), focusing on the juxtaposition of the altar and judicial laws
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