ולא תעלה במעלת על מזבחי אשר לא תגלה ערותך עליו ... (כ-כג)
Parshas Yisro is one of the most fascinating, inspiring, and uplifting parshiyos in the Torah as we read the account of Matan Torah at Har Sinai. In this parsha we affirm that the Torah is מן השמים, and was received by all of Klal Yisroel through Moshe Rabbeinu. These fundamental principles of faith are recorded here and embraced forever by the Jewish people.
After the entire episode of Matan Torah takes place in all it’s glory, the parsha concludes with a message for all future generations. The final posuk discusses a seemingly unrelated law about building a ramp for the kohanim to walk on when they bring sacrifices up to the mizbeach (altar), as opposed to steps going up. Now, what could possibly be the connection between these two seemingly unrelated topics? What does Kabolas HaTorah have to do with building a ramp for the mizbeach?
Rashi tells us something fascinating - a foundation of the entire Torah. He writes that the reason we are commanded to make a ramp rather than steps is to avoid "גילוי ערוה" by taking large strides walking up steps. It is a disgrace for the holy stones of the mizbeach to be exposed to the “Ervah” - nakedness, of the kohanim (the kohanim wore loose pants under their outer garments) as they “climbed” the stairs going up to the mizbeach, and therefore to protect the honor of the mizbeach a ramp must be built rather than steps! Can you imagine ... if we must go to such great lengths to protect the honor of STONES, denotes Rashi, how much more must we be exceedingly careful with the honor of our fellow Jews?
With this idea, the account of the giving of the Torah is concluded because without proper respect for a fellow Jew’s honor, there is no way one can truly be mekabel the Torah and live a proper life! Matan Torah begins with the unity of the Jewish encampment at Har Sinai and ends with a lesson on honor and respect. In fact, this is the beginning, the ending, and the entire body of the Torah - without which one can only dream of being a true member of the AM SEGULA that we are meant to be!