Parshiot Acharei-Mot/Kedoshim

Sanctity

April 24, 2010/10 Iyar 5770

To be holy and sanctified are central concepts in Parshat Kedoshim. G-d says, “You will be holy.” We can ask quite tritely: What does G-d mean when He says ‘Be holy?’

Let’s first take a look at other instances in the Torah when we are told to “be holy.” In Vayikra 20:26: “You shall be holy to Me” and in Bamidbar 15:40: “You will be holy to your G-d”. These verses say that G-d will consider us holy.

In this week’s parsha (Vayikra 19) we are told something unique: “You will be, because I am holy.” In other words, we will be as holy as G-d, objectively!

How is this possible? G-d is the definition of sanctity; He defies physicality in this world, unlike us who are partially, if not mainly corporeal beings.

A Gemarah in Sotah 14a asks a question, “Is man able to walk after the presence of G-d? Doesn’t it say that G-d is made of fire? If man would walk after Him, the fire would devour him. Rather, he can ‘walk’ after the character traits (Midot) of G-d”. The Rabbies explain: “Just as G-d is merciful you too must be merciful.”

This doesn’t really answer our question because the commandments specifically given in our parsha of how to be holy have nothing to do with G-d’s actions. For example, in Vayikra 19:7 it says that if you give a certain sacrifice to G-d you have to eat it on the first or second day. But if you eat it on the third day, it is considered a “Pigul“, an offensive thing to G-d. This certainly has nothing to do with G-d’s traits.

Rashi explains that: “You shall be holy” actually means, “you shall abstain”. In other words, just as G-d is separate from this world, we should separate ourselves from profanities and sin.

Why are we supposed to abstain? What do we gain from doing so?

A human’s normal tendency is to go after his or her own desires. We frequently pursue honor and power, but we have to remember that we are not supposed to make decisions based on our own natural desires. Parshat Kedoshim includes commandments that seem obviously immoral, and those that are less obvious. We therefore learn that one of the reasons for the mitzvot is to teach us that we must always consider what is right in G-d’s eyes, and not just do whatever we think is right. In that way, we bring holiness into this world, and thereby make ourselves holy.We are able to work with G-d in tikun olem and fixing the world.   That is JobKatif’s main goal. We believe that in this principle and we want to help the people Gush Katif. It is clear that we are supposed to mimic G-d and so to create holiness. Just as G-d does acts of kindness we must as well.

Shabbat Shalom.