For the week of May 10, 2024

This Torah portion’s title is derived from the first important word in the second verse: “speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel and say unto them, you shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.”

Both our ancient and modern rabbinic commentators go into rapture over this chapter 19. Here is a profound code of moral law and moral sensitivities. This chapter interrupts the details and chapters of ritual purity and sacrificial details. The Talmud asserts that most of the heart of the Torah is found in this chapter. Modern scholars call these chapters the holiness code.

The Hebrew word root K-D-Sh, usually translated as ‘holy,’ literally means to assert utter uniqueness of something. (hence it also means to “distinguish.”) It is a key word in Jewish religion. God is spoken of as “k’dosh Yisra’el,” the holy one of Israel. This means that God is the most unique and totally different essence in all reality. This chapter 19 urges the people Israel to seek that uniqueness, that excellence, that perfection by imitating this unique and perfect Almighty by acting in accordance with these moral acts, as outlined in chapter 19.

Join us for an exciting Torah discussion this Shabbat morning.