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Why does the Torah (תורה) prohibit ascending the mizbeach via steps to avoid uncovering ervah when Kohanim wear pants? The shiur argues that gilui ervah means awareness of physicality rather than actual exposure. Large steps make one conscious of their base nature, which is inappropriate in holy spaces where spiritual consciousness should dominate.
Rabbi Zweig begins by discussing a perplexing statement in the Gemara (גמרא) about marriage requiring wearing a sudra (head covering), connecting this to Tosafos (תוספות)'s explanation of Rav Kahana taking matanos kehunah on behalf of his Kohenes wife. He explores the deeper meaning of why married men should wear a sudra, suggesting it serves as a constant reminder of one's spiritual identity. The shiur then examines the Torah (תורה)'s prohibition against ascending the mizbeach via steps to avoid uncovering one's ervah. Rabbi Zweig questions why this matters when the Kohen wears michnasayim (pants). He cites the Gemara's answer about avoiding pesi'ah gasah (large steps) but notes this doesn't resolve the fundamental question about ervah.
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Gemara Brachos 29a
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