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All right, we hear the commandment. But what, exactly, does it mean "to be holy?" What is holiness?!
There are no less than 51 Mitzvot enumerated in this sedra; 13 "do’s" & 38 "don’ts." Perhaps we can discern "holiness – kedusha" by using these Mitzvot as a guide. So let’s see how it is that we should act:
Clearly, our interaction with others should be done in a "God-ly" way: We should hold our parents in awe; we should devote part of our field (e.g. our income) to the poor; we should not take something that doesn’t belong to us; we should pay our debts on time; we should love, not hate others; we shouldn’t gossip about or embarrass them; we should be honest in our business dealings & should give special respect to Torah scholars.
But there are other things we also must do to be "holy," things that don’t necessarily involve other people. We can’t make an idol for ourselves; we can’t cross-breed certain animals or plants; we have to let our trees go untouched for 3 years; we can’t eat or drink like a glutton or a guzzler; we can’t use a razor to cut certain parts of our beard or have a tattoo embedded into our skin.
So it seems like holiness – or "whole-iness," you might call it - is an overall state of being, a 24/7 state of being, whereby both our bodies as well as our souls are fully committed to a spiritually-directed way of life.
But I want to add another crucial aspect of holiness, one stated by the Ramban, Nachmanides. Quoting the Gemara in Yevamot 20, "Be kadosh in what is permitted to you," he says that Kedusha is reflected just as much by your behavior vis a vis what is allowed to you as by what is forbidden to you. Yes, you must tell the truth; but must you share that same truth if it causes others discomfort? You are entitled to be wealthy, but must you flaunt your wealth? You know the answer to every question, but can’t you let the other students answer sometimes, too? Holiness, says Ramban, is all about holding back.
The word "Kadosh" is strongly connected to the word, "Hekdesh." Hekdesh refers to that which was set aside in the Bet HaMikdash & exclusively designated to be used only in the service of Hashem. Isn’t this the essence of a Jew? Weren’t we, also, "set aside" by G-d & commanded to conduct ourselves in a uniquely moral & spiritual way, so that we could be an example to the whole world?
"Be Holy!" A very short statement - but a very tall order!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
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Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
Ein Aya Various Universal Stages of the Geula Process
Rav Kook examines the various stages of redemption, explaining how (in addition to the obvious oft-mentioned stages of ingathering the exiles, reviving the Hebrew language, army, state etc.) the messianic dream of world prosperity, the State of Israel and world unity can and are realistically and logically gradually coming true.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
How do we know that the "claim" of mass revelation to 2,000,000 witnesses at Mt. Sinai is really true? This important class answers all of the questions skeptics ask about this claim of the Kuzari.
Ein Aya Armies Still Necessary for Balance & the War Against Wars
Rav Kook explains why the world was originally divided into the various seemingly contradicting ideologies and cultures, in order to develop each one respectively. Swords or armies symbolize how each respective ideology defends themselves, as well as deters their opposing ideologies and cultures. On the other hand, the messianic era will be one of peace, and Rav Kook explains the transition to that stage, which mankind is already undergoing.
The Land of Israel LGBT'S IN ISRAEL
The question was asked, how can one make Aliyah with the LGBT parades?
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 7 - Five Accumulative Proofs of G-d
As a preparation for the Kuzari's classic proof of G-d from the mass-revelation at Sinai, we start here with 5 other directions to strengthen our belief which also contribute to what the Kuzari will present as well.
Ein Aya Muscle & Meaning: The Dual Nature of Gevurah (Physical Strength)
Is physical strength and fitness a necessity or an ideal? Although it if often totally overlooked among topics of Judaism, Rav Kook writes that it clearly is also a necessity to deter the many enemies of Israel, but even in Y'mot HaMashiach, in the Messianic era, to a certain extent, it's ideal continues even after our enemies will have been finished off.
