Rabbi Judah ben Bezalel Lowe, known as the Maharal of Prague was famous among Jews and non-Jews alike. He was a mystic who was revered for his holiness and Torah scholarship, as well as his proficiency in mathematics, astronomy, and other sciences. Eventually, word of his greatness reached the ears of Emperor Rudolph II.
The Emperor invited the Maharal to his castle on February 23, 1592. There they conversed for one and a half hours, and developed a mutual respect for each other.
Rabbi Judah Lowe made use of his excellent connections with the Emperor, often intervening on behalf of his community when it was threatened by anti-Semitic attacks or oppression.
When you build a new house, you must make a fence for your roof. (Deut. 22:8)
The Torah speaks quite literally about a new house. But it’s also providing a paradigm for all forms of growth.
Because bigger houses come with bigger challenges. The more you engage the outside world, the more you need to protect yourself from falling.
How do you protect yourself? With a fence on your roof.
Meaning: With something that is beyond yourself.
Simply put, the higher you rise, the tighter you need to connect to the One who will always be just as far above you.
That way, you will not fall, and neither will those who enter your house.