Parshas Emor 5765

G-d endowed certain people with special responsibilities. The kohain (priest) was given the task of serving in the Temple. Because of the importance of his service and his position, he was required to live by a higher standard.

Different activities that were permitted to the rest of the nation were prohibited for him. For example, the kohain could not defile himself by coming into contact with a corpse of any person outside of his close family members. The Kohain Gadol (High Priest) was held to an even stricter standard and could not even contaminate himself for family members. An exception was made only for a corpse that had nobody else to take care of it. A reason for this prohibition is because a lifeless body is the antithesis of holiness, since holiness involves spiritual growth, and after death no further growth is possible.

The kohain was also limited (and still is) as to whom he could marry. He may not marry a woman who was the product of a prohibited relationship, or who had been involved in a prohibited relationship, or even a divorcee. The Kohain Gadol was restricted even further in his choice and could only marry a virgin.

Certain days of the year were also endowed with holiness: the Shabbos and other holidays. These days were meant to be sanctified by dressing differently, eating differently, and in general, behaving more spiritually than during the rest of the year.

Each of the holidays was given its own mitzvah, as a tool for receiving the unique spiritual influence associated with that day. The shofar is blown on Rosh Hashanah, we fast on Yom Kippur, the lulav and esrog are taken on Sukkos, etc.

Every Jew is also instructed to sanctify G-d's name, both in life and death. In life, we must live in a way that earns the admiration of the world. Profaning G-d's Name by acting immorally or improperly is a grave sin. In death, the Jew must be ready to sacrifice his life rather than denounce G-d or his belief in Judaism.

The Torah relates an incident involving a person who mocked the Torah and blasphemed G-d. The Torah considers blasphemy to be on par with assault and even murder. The understanding is that a person who disregards G-d, can easily be led to total disregard for his fellow man, too, leading to assault and the such. Accordingly, the Torah reserves the most severe forms of punishment for this offense.

"Do not desecrate My holy Name... " (Lev. 22:32)

The Chafetz Chaim was once on his way to the train station, when he was stopped by a fellow looking for a tenth man to join prayers at a mourner's home. Although the Rav had already prayed, and he was in a hurry to catch the train, he nonetheless joined the mourners.

Later, after missing the train, he explained to a family member, "Although I had good reasons not to join the prayer service, aside from the fact that I didn't even know the family, I was concerned they would feel some resentment against a rabbi who wouldn't help them. It was worth missing the train to avoid desecrating G-d's name."

Did You Know...

The students of Rabbi Akiva died in an epidemic for thirty-three days during the Omer. These days are marked as a period of mourning. Traditionally, Jews do not plan weddings during this time, although engagement parties are permitted, albeit without music. On Lag B'Omer, the thirty-third day, it is permitted to make a wedding, but not on the eve before Lag B'Omer.

When Lag B'Omer falls on Friday, however, it is permitted to make the wedding the evening before. A wedding that began on Lag B'Omer may continue into the evening. Some authorities permit music at a Sheva Brachos held after Lag B'Omer, since the wedding was conducted at a permissible time.