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- Kdoshim
It sounds so simple, doesn’t it? "Just be holy!"
As if we can close our eyes, snap our fingers &
immediately elevate our souls to Heaven itself!
What exactly is this connection to Hashem?! Can we really, truly emulate
G-d, who defies not only definition, but imitation?
Perhaps the Torah is telling us that just as
Hashem is bound by the Mitzvot that Hashem
commands to us – thus Anim Z’Mirot records that
G-d also wears Tefilin! – so should we, also, do
the Mitzvot right along with G-d!
But while Hashem may indeed "keep" Shabbat, the
vast majority of the Torah’s other Mitzvot –
including most of the 51 Mitzvot in this Sedra –
are davka not kept by G-d! Just look at the very
first Mitzva in the parsha: "Every person: your
mother & father shall you revere." This could not
possibly apply to Hashem, who surely does not
have a mother or father - perhaps that is why the
command is introduced by the unusual heading, "every person."
And continuing the list of Mitzvot: Could Hashem
worship an idol? Could G-d steal (everything
already belongs to Hashem)! Could Hashem swear
falsely "by the name of Hashem?!" Could Hashem
"fear G-d," or have any of the many illicit
sexual relationships that are listed here?
So obviously, there must be another meaning to
the idea of being "holy as Hashem is Holy." I
suggest we focus on the word "Kadosh" to understand what it really means.
"Kadosh" connects to the word "Hekdesh," which
means "set aside for a holy purpose." For
example, if a person designated a particular
object or sum of money to be utilized for a
spiritual purpose in the Mishkan, that item could
not be used for anything else. It was sacrosanct.
As Jews, we have a particular & defined
spiritual, holy purpose in life: We are meant to
be mortal examples of G-d’s attributes; walking,
talking models of the values & ideals that Hashem
represents. That is why we are here on this
Earth, that is the "Hekdesh" mission that "sets
us apart" from every other nation. It may be
reflected in our belief in One G-d, in the way we
relate to other human beings, in our adherence to
modesty & sexual mores or in the respect we have
for our parents, teachers & Land.
This is what makes us "like G-d:" Hashem is
unique, unlike any other "god," & so we, too, are
a unique people. We give our all, even if it is
costly or dangerous, to proudly wear the badge of
Jew. Something to bear in mind this week as we
show our love & gratitude to all the holy
Chayalim who give their all & so epitomize Kedusha.
Rabbi Stewart Weiss
Was ordained at the Hebrew Theological College in Skokie, Illinois, and led congregations in Chicago and Dallas prior to making Aliyah in 1992. He directs the Jewish Outreach Center in Ra'anana, helping to facilitate the spiritual absorption of new olim.
Jewish Laws and Thoughts Shul “etiquette:” can we honor Hashem while respecting our fellow congregants?
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Rabbis in Midrash
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Shoftim TESHUVA IN COURT OF LAW?
Parshat Shoftim-Chodesh Elul
Why does parshat Shoftim always come out during Elul? This innovative and central explanation is an eye-opener regarding many aspects of Judaism.
The Month of Elul TESHUVA IS THE ANSWER
The month of Elul serves as a vital time for self-reflection and personal accountability to prepare for true repentance.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Chemdat Yamim The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Re'e NEVER EXTREME EXCEPT ISRAEL
Parshat Re'eh
Judaism is against extremism, so how can we understand the seemingly extreme statements found in our sages in favor of living in the Land of Israel and against living in Chutz laAretz? The article deals with the seeming contradiction between the strength of Free-Will and the strength of being influenced by our surroundings.
Ekev DANCE FOR ISRAEL- FOR YOUR BENEFIT
Parshat Eikev
Description: The 7 Haftarot we read after Tisha B'Av ("Shiva D'Nichemta") surely get us excited that they're coming TRUE, and awaken us to yearn, dance & join the return to Zion! The short article also deals with the problems and solutions facing the American Jewish community as discussed at a recent panel, as well as the question why Jews come from America to Israel to help when we face problems, but Israelis don't come to aid Jews in America when they face anti-Semitism.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
