Why the Seraphim Hide Their Calf-Shaped Feet from the Shekhinah

Midrash Tanchuma Buber, Emor 11:1

Curated by Arthur·Translated by Maggid (Beta)·

Rabbi Jacob bar Zavday, in the name of Rabbi Abbahu, opened his discourse with the verse: "And it shall no longer be for the house of Israel a source of confidence that brings iniquity to remembrance" (Ezekiel 29:16). And it is written: "Seraphim were standing above Him, and so forth" (Isaiah 6:2). "With two he covered his face" — so as not to gaze; "and with two he covered his feet" — so that they would not see the face of the Shekhinah, for it is written: "And the sole of their feet was like the sole of a calf's foot" (Ezekiel 1:7). This is on account of "And it shall no longer be for the house of Israel a source of confidence that brings iniquity to remembrance."

Themes

ShekhinahAngelsSinHumorWit

Biblical References

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