120 Torah Book & Portion, Book of Exodus, Beshalach (Exodus 13:17-17:16), Source Book Keys, BLOCH EXODUS | 15:2 beautify — EXOD210 The Judaic definition of beauty is not li... EXOD210 The Judaic definition of beauty is not limited to visual physical charms. It also includes refined human traits, such as dignity, deportment, and character, which are pleasing to people's minds. This comprehensive view of beauty is projected by the author of Proverbs: "The glory of young men is their strength, and the beauty of old man is the hoary head" (Proverbs 20:29). The old man who acts with the dignity of his age and does not compete in areas which belong to youth is a beautiful person. Beauty is an adjunct of religious acts. The Pentateuchal verse "This is my God and I will beautify him" [this verse] was interpreted by the Rabbis as an injunction to give an attractive appearance to religious articles (Shabbat 133b). Thus one should build a beautiful sukkah, affix an attractive mezuzah, and write a distinctive Torah (Masechet Soferim 3:11). Share Print Source KeyBLOCHVerse15:2Keyword(s)beautifySource Page(s)45 Switch article EXODUS | 15:2 adorn — EXOD208 "This is my God and I will adorn Him [ve'... Previous Article EXODUS | 15:2 enshrine — EXOD211 In Christianity, the most important ideal... Next Article