Bet-El - A Spiritual Intersection
In this week's Parsha we find the first biblical reference to the concept of "Bet Elokim," a House of God. Though mentioned only once throughout Sefer Breishit, this concept constitutes one of the most fundamental religious principles in Chumash, as it presupposes the possibility of man's visiting the house as a means to improve his relationship with God.

Yaakov's description of this site as both "shaar ha'shamayim" and "Bet Elokim" can help us understand the nature and purpose of the Bet ha'Mikdash and how it represents the potential heights of our relationship with God.

The "shaar ha'shamayim" aspect of the Mikdash, symbolized by the angels ascending and descending from Heaven, suggests the possibility of a 'vertical' relationship, a conceptual connecting point between Heaven and Earth. Despite God's transcendence, a connection, and thus a relationship, can be attained.

In contrast, the 'Bet Elokim' aspect, a house on earth where Man can encounter God, implies the potential for a 'lateral' relationship. In this sense, the Mikdash serves as both a center for congregation as well as the means of dissemination. From this site, God's word and the recognition of His authority can be spread to all mankind.

[See Yeshayahu 2:1-5! This centrality may be reflected by the unique phrase at Bet El - "yama v'kaydme, tzfona, v'negba," which might symbolize this dissemination of God's word to all four corners of the earth.] From God's perspective, so-to-speak, the "shchina" descends to earth by way of "shaar ha'shamayim" and radiates via "Bet Elokim" (in the form of His Torah) to all of mankind. From man's perspective, we gather at the "Bet Elokim" to serve God, and through the "shaar ha'shamayim" we can climb the 'ladder' of holiness.

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