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Why are steps permitted in the more holy Heichal for lighting the menorah, but prohibited on the Mizbeach? The distinction lies in whether the steps are part of the actual avodah or merely preparatory to it.
This shiur addresses a fundamental question about the structural differences between the Heichal and Mizbeach in terms of permitted access methods. The Torah (תורה) specifically prohibits steps on the Mizbeach due to concerns of gilui ervah (exposure), yet we know from Chazal that there was a step used by the Kohen to light the menorah in the Heichal. This creates an apparent contradiction: how can the more holy Heichal permit what the less holy Mizbeach prohibits? Rabbi Zweig develops a crucial distinction based on the concept of avodah (Temple service). The prohibition of steps on the Mizbeach applies specifically because going up those steps would be part of the actual avodah itself. The Mizbeach is where sacrifices are offered, and the process includes shechitah (slaughter), kabbalas hadam (receiving the blood), and holachah (carrying) - all of which are formal avodot (Temple services). When steps are part of this sacred service, any awareness of ervah during the performance constitutes a chesaron (deficiency) in the avodah.
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Parshas Beha'aloscha
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