Tag: Kedoshim

parasha Kedoshim 5784

“And G-d created man in His own image, in the image of God created He him; male and female created He them” (Genesis 1:27, JPS). We are created b’tzelem Elokim – in the image of G-d – as is written. We are to imitate G-d, in a sincere effort to live up to that image. In specific, we should focus our efforts on an attempt to approach His level of holiness, even if this may not seem like it is within our own power to do so.

“Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them: Ye shall be holy; for I the L-RD your G-d am holy” (Leviticus 19:2, JPS). The question may be asked, relevant to the theme of obtaining kedushah (holiness) in our lives, how are we even able to approach the level of G-d’s holiness? We may understand this level of holiness as an ideal standard, that we are to set as our goal. Yet, its attainment is by no means easy, nor even possible without HaShem at the helm of our ship, guiding our way upon the ocean of life.

The opening verse, “You shall be holy, because HaShem your Gd is holy,” serves as a guiding principle, that continues to be expounded upon throughout the rest of the parasha. The principle of holiness is applied even to what might otherwise be considered as the mundane affairs of mankind. For example, consider the following commandment:

“Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment, in meteyard, in weight, or in measure” (Leviticus 19:35, JPS 1917 Tanach). The Torah calls for “equal weights and measures.” As is mentioned elsewhere, “Divers weights, and divers measures, both of them alike are abomination to the L-RD” (Proverbs 20:10, JPS 1917 Tanach).  Although, we are not all merchants, called to right business practices, this commandment may be considered in regard to the positive character trait of honesty. Many others follow.

Shabbat shalom.
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parasha Kedoshim 5782

parasha Kedoshim (Leviticus 19:1 – 20:27) 5782

 “Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy; for I am the L-RD your G-d.”

– Leviticus 20:7, JPS 1917 Tanach

The parashas begins with a reckoning of terms, in regard to “holiness.” The word, kadosh, translated as holy, is from the shoresh (root word), KDSh, meaning “to be separate.” Therefore, to be holy is to be separated from all that is unholy. The parashas delineates how our kedushah (holiness) is dependent upon separating ourselves from the practices of the nations that are steeped in immorality. Rashi associates the commandment to be holy as to refrain from idolatry.

“I the L-RD am holy, and have set you apart from the peoples, that ye should be Mine” (Leviticus 20:26, JPS). In like manner as the Children of Israel were betrothed to H’Shem at Sinai, we are to remove our worn-out garments of slavery, and put on clothes of righteousness. No longer living in bondage to aveiros (sin); rather, aspiring to righteousness through the commandments. This includes separating ourselves from what ever may be conveyed by the zeitgeist (literally, spirit of the time) as the new normal. Although the norms of society shift over the decades, the commandments of G-d are unchanging across the generations.

 In abstaining from sin (sur meira), separating ourselves from unholiness, we prepare ourselves to be renewed through doing good (asei tov). First, to leave our own personal Mitzraim (Egypt) behind us; then, to accept the covenant anew as our heritage to guide us to the Promised Land, encapsulated by all of the blessings that we will receive for following the ways of H’Shem.