PARSHAS Kedoshim 5784
What's Holy?
Rabbi Daniel Nabatian
Co-Director,
JSU Central Florida
This week’s Torah portion begins with a charge to us, the Jewish people, to be holy. But what does holiness mean? We can discover a clue from another context in which the Hebrew word for holiness, kedusha, is used: a Jewish marriage is called Kiddushin.
How does the general charge for the Jewish people to be holy relate to a marriage? This is possibly the most important prerequisite to understanding all of the Torah.
Judaism is not a religion, it is a relationship. We are in a relationship with Hashem. Every commandment is not a rule for us to follow, but a vehicle to help get closer to Hashem. Being in a relationship is exclusive. It means you are connected with that special someone. Hashem wants that type of closeness with each and every one of us.
Later in this week’s portion we are reminded to keep the Shabbos. Rabbi Benzion Klatzko explains beautifully how Shabbos, too, is just a means to deepen our relationship with Hashem:
Imagine you are extremely busy at work, it has been a while since you have had a date with your spouse. You finally carve out just enough time to make dinner plans. The dinner is going well. You are right in the middle of enjoying your steak when your phone rings.
You apologize, but it’s an important work call and you answer. How does your spouse feel at that moment?
On Shabbos we are tasked with disconnecting from all electronics, and connecting with Hashem. Lighting two candles to add to the ambience, wearing a nice suit, or making sure the food is just right– we do all of these special things to get us ready for the ultimate date, with Hashem every week.
We can all realize the tremendous opportunity we have each and every time we choose to do a mitzvah. Hashem wants to be close to us more than anything else. We are truly a holy nation when we take the opportunities presented to us, and choose to connect deeply with our Creator.
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