(2-3 Minute Read)
Leviticus 16:1 – 20:27
In the Torah parasha, or portion, of Kedoshim, the Almighty elaborates on key details of the Torah formula of personal holiness. Previously, in the linked portion of Acharei-Mot, the Torah begins the narrative by emphasizing that the Eternal One spoke to Moses immediately after the deaths of Nadav and Avihu. There are a number of ideas as to why this detail is important. One thought is that it relates to what happens when we don’t follow the Most High’s directions on how to achieve holiness (see Shemini). If we do not seek to achieve holiness by doing things G-d’s way, and instead insist on doing things our way, disaster could result.
The concepts of how to and how not to become holy pervade this joint Torah portion. First, the Almighty detailed when and how Aaron was to approach the most holy place in the Mishkan, or Tabernacle, behind the curtain. G-d also discussed the Yom Kippur ceremony of the Azazel goat. After that, the Eternal One emphasized that no sacrifices are permitted to be offered outside of the Mishkan, or Tabernacle, and later the Beit HaMikdash, or Temple. Also, under no circumstances can blood ever be consumed. Next, the Most High provided a detailed list of prohibited immoral acts and lifestyles, especially relating to improper physical intimacy. Further on in the Torah portions, G-d sternly prohibited the sacrificing of children to false pagan idols, in particular Molech.
As the Torah portion of Kedoshim commences, G-d continued His narrative about holiness. However, at this point the Almighty gave a straightforward reason for obeying all of these commandments.
“You shall be holy, for I am holy, the L-RD your G-d… I am the L-RD your G-d who freed you from the land of Egypt. You shall faithfully observe all My laws and all My rules. I am the L-RD.” (Vayikra / Leviticus 19:2, 36-37)
The concept that the Almighty is presenting is that we are to strive to be holy both because He is holy and also because we are obligated to keep His commandments since He delivered us from the slavery of Egypt. In Bereshit / Genesis 3, Adam and Eve ate the fruit that the Most High had commanded them not to eat in an attempt to “become like G-d.” Now, the Eternal One is telling us how we can become more like Him; through obedience to His commandments in the Torah. Similarly, if the Holy One, Blessed Be He, hadn’t redeemed us from Egypt, we might still be enslaved (dayenu!). In other words, one of the principles of the story of yetziat Mitzrayim, or the exodus from Egypt, is that the Almighty removed the yoke of Egyptian slavery and bondage from us, and instead gave us the “yoke” of His Torah, enabling us to live successfully and attain a form of holiness.
But what does it truly mean to be “holy?” “Holiness” means to be righteous and pure in a unique and sacred way. After the commandment that we are to be “holy,” Moses recorded a list of instructions from G-d on how to achieve this lofty goal. And many of these commands describe how we should be kind to one another. The Holy One, Blessed Be He, directed us not to steal or lie to one another, and that we should provide sustenance for the poor. We are prohibited from mocking or mistreating the weak or disabled. We are commanded to be fair in business dealings, and to avoid speaking badly of others. But most importantly, the Almighty instructed us to love our fellow person as ourselves, and not to hate anyone in our hearts. The word used in the Torah for “fellow person” comes from a Hebrew term for “friend” or “close companion.” And the Torah terminology tells us not to hate another person as though he or she were our brother or sister.
In other words, the Master of the Universe instructed the Jewish people to treat everyone in our lives like a family member or a close friend, and this is one of the most important methods on becoming “holy.” We often think that “holiness” is an impossible goal, or maybe that “holiness” is too esoteric or difficult to understand. But these instructions on how to be holy are not complicated. In fact, in some cases they are conceptually very simple, albeit perhaps difficult to emulate.
The Almighty gave us a formula of “holiness” that is within our reach. Besides meaning “pure,” holy means “special” or “unique.” Unfortunately, there is an abundance of hatred and unkindness in the world. Thus, when we choose to be kind and to love others, treating them properly, we bring something special, pure, and “holy” into the world. And those acts of kindness, that proper treatment, can ripple throughout the universe and help overcome the hatred and the darkness.
Sometimes we can become discouraged because there is so much hatred and darkness in the world. But even if it seems difficult, or even hopeless, there is no other way. We all must do our very best to love one another and care for them like friends and family, no matter what.
May the Holy One, Blessed be He, enable us to reach ever higher levels of righteousness, both in how we relate to Him and how we treat one another. And may the Holy One, Blessed be He, thereboy assist us in fulfilling His commandment, “Be holy, for I am holy.”
