Commentary for Sotah 79:16
ובמקדש ברכה אחת כו'
If [he called them] 'my brethren' why 'my people', and vice versa? — R. Eleazar said: David told the Israelites, If you listen to me, you are my brethren; if not, you are my people and I will rule you with a rod. The Rabbis said: It is derived from the regulation that the kohanim are not permitted to ascend the platform wearing their shoes. This is one of the ten ordinances which R. Johanan b. Zakkai instituted. What was the reason? Was it not out of respect for the congregation? — R. Ashi said: No; [the reason] there was lest the shoe-lace become untied and he proceeds to retie it, and people will say: 'He is the son of a divorcee or a Haluzah'.<span class="x" onmousemove="('comment',' Disqualified for priestly service. A derisive taunt at him for his undignified behaviour by stooping on the platform to retie his shoelace. ');"><sup>14</sup></span> BUT IN THE TEMPLE AS ONE BLESSING etc.
Explore commentary for Sotah 79:16. In-depth commentary and analysis from classical Jewish sources.