EXOD510 Do not go up by steps onto the Altar. To ensure that one will not take large strides to reach the top of the Altar, stairs must not be the means for ascent. Rather, there is [a] ramp, so that one ascends with small steps, gradually and with awe. Key concept: To impress upon our hearts the holiness of the Altar--a place where no type of frivolity or other commonplace behavior can be tolerated. Although the Altar’s stones are inanimate and cannot feel or sense anything, including embarrassment, we are commanded to act with dignity when we tread upon them, for the Torah wants our hearts to appreciate the Altar’s sanctity and importance, and our actions influence our hearts.

SHOW FULL EXCERPT