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Why must we ascend the Mizbeach by ramp rather than steps to avoid dishonoring stones that feel nothing? The shiur develops the principle that giving kavod is not only for the recipient's benefit but teaches us our place in the universe. Recognizing we are not the center of creation — whether by honoring stones, parents, or others — is essential for spiritual health and prevents violation of lo sachmod.
Rabbi Zweig explores three interconnected questions about the nature of respect (kavod) in Jewish thought. First, he examines Rashi (רש"י)'s reading of the Aseres Hadibros arranged horizontally, particularly the connection between kibud av va'em and lo sin'af (do not commit adultery). Rashi explains that one who violates lo sin'af will have a son who gives honor to someone else, not recognizing his true father. This seems like a practical consequence rather than a deep Torah (תורה) insight, which troubles Rabbi Zweig. The second question concerns the halacha (הלכה) at the end of Parshas Yisro requiring an inclined ramp (kevesh) rather than steps to ascend the Mizbeach, to avoid exposing one's nakedness even minimally before the stones. Rashi presents a kal vachomer: if stones, which have no feeling and cannot be insulted, must be treated respectfully, how much more so must we respect a fellow human being created in God's image who does care about honor. But this seems unnecessary — we already know directly from the Torah that people must be respected and not humiliated. Why do we need to learn this from stones?
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Parshas Yisro - Aseres Hadibros and Mizbeach
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