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If one takes the p’sukim at face value, there does not seem to be a connection between the two topics. One rule has to do with avoiding an overwhelmingly holy place that happens to have been a mountain. The other seems to deal with a technical concern to avoid something unseemly when one properly ascends the mizbe’ach. However, let us explore a homiletic idea that will add a further aspect to our appreciation of these topics.
The Meshech Chochma (Shemot 19:22) raises the idea that those closest to Hashem are liable to receive severe punishment for their sins. As Hashem knew that shortly after the giving of the Torah, Bnei Yisrael would sin with the Golden Calf, He was concerned about the severity of the punishment that would be needed. Had Bnei Yisrael been allowed to go up the mountain and be exposed to Divine Revelation in an even more profound manner than they actually were, their level of culpability would have been so great as to mandate full destruction. Therefore, Hashem prevented them from attaining a dangerously high spiritual level. Indeed, unchecked rapid spiritual growth can cause a precipitous spiritual fall if proper spiritual protections are missing. As mentioned above, going up the mountain could have caused the fall of many and/or the great.
The Divine Presence that rested on Sinai later departed and appeared on the mizbe’ach of the Mishkan and the Beit Hamikdash. Following the Meshech Chochma’s lead, we can conclude that there too it is important to check how we go up to the altar. To understand how that might apply, let us look at the Kli Yakar on the concept of uncovering oneself when walking on steps. He says that this alludes to haughtiness, as Chazal say that one who is haughty is like one who carries out sins of incest or promiscuousity. In Mishpatim, we learn that the Sanhedrin was placed near the altar to teach us that the same need of humility is required regarding judgment as well.
If one is elevated too fast he may stumble in his self-image and suffer from over-confidence as if that is his natural position. This can lead even or especially a person of stature to a situation that is comparable to promiscuity and in some cases to promiscuity itself.
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Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 5- "Proofs of G-d"
This may be the most important class of the entire book, where we finally get to the Jewish proof of the existence of G-d and truth of the Torah. We should follow His own direction where He tells us how to get to Him: through the Nation of Israel: Jewish history, Jewish prophets (and today, prophecies fulfilled), and national reward & punishment towards Am Yisrael.
Ein Aya One Humanity, One Creator, One Jerusalem
Rav Kook innovatively and beautifully explains this aggadeta where our sages say that after Jerusalem was destroyed her cinnamon fragrance is only found locked in a particular kingdom's treasury.
Shlach Lecha "Why So Many Don't Make Aliya?" - Parshat Shlach
This short article deals with the weird phenomena that every single time Am Yisrael is meant to enter the Land of Israel, throughout the Tanach, 2nd Temple and until today, they "chicken out" and look for excuses. What's the problem with this mitzvah that proves so challenging. The article, based on sources, suggests that the difficulties of Eretz Yisrael is precisely her secret and beauty!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 4
The class deals with Islam and how the Muslim tries convincing the King of the Khazars, and why he was also rejected.
Beha'alotcha JEWISH STATE= GUIDE TO G-DLINESS & SELFLESSNESS
A Jewish State not only is a good idea, but educates us towards selflessness, altruism and G-dliness in our daily lives.
Ein Aya In Zion Even the Smoke of the Bark is Sweet
Just as Jewish nationalism is different from others, so too our capitol of Jerusalem is totally different than other national capitols. Rav Kook beautifully explains the passage in the Talmud that the trees of Yerushalayim were cinnamon trees.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 3
The second speaker invited to convince the Khazar King is the Christian, who presents their beliefs. Even before the questions of the King, "between the lines", the author R. Yehuda HaLevi already begins disproving them.
Ein Aya "Intimacy: Love, Life & Giving or Egocentric Taking & Expiration"
Today, many confuse between intimacy in marriage, based on love, giving and life which are diametrically opposed to empty "sex", pornography and prostitution which destroyed the Beit HaMikdash. The practical importance of clarifying this topic in today's western society is obvious, especially for young adults.