Parshas Kedoshim 5765

The mitzvah to "sanctify yourselves" is a bit difficult to define. The commentaries explain that in many ways the obligation to be holy actually begins where the other mitzvahs leave off.

The mitzvahs in general were meant to elevate a person's spiritual being by guiding his actions in accordance with G-d's will. However, no code of specific obligations is capable of covering every detail of the human condition.

There will always be "cracks" where a person's base instinct can slip through. Ramban (Nachmanides) says that a person could technically follow all the Torah's laws, and still remain a degenerate person, a "naval B'rshus haTorah". The Torah therefore commands the Jew to sanctify his life. "Holiness" means that one must exercise control over his physical and material desires. This does not mean that a person must practice an ascetic lifestyle, but rather that the physical and material desires must be elevated. It's not enough that a person's food fits the dietary kashrus specifications. How it is eaten must also conform to a higher standard. One must eat and drink with dignity and in moderation. (According to some authorities, this mitzvah precludes intoxication and gluttony.) Likewise, a person's speech must not merely be devoid of slander and other prohibited words. Even that which is permissible, should be spoken sparingly and in a dignified manner. Every action in life should be done in a manner befitting a "priestly people and a holy nation."

Many of the business-related and interpersonal laws are also discussed in this portion. Their juxtaposition to the commandment of being holy suggests another important insight into holiness. One might think that the concept of holiness is more directly related to the relationship between man and G-d. The Torah teaches that this is not so. One's social activities also affect his level of spirituality. One who is dishonest in business cannot achieve holiness either. Treating one's employees fairly and not spreading gossip are also a part of being holy, because they remind a person that his needs and desires do not precede those of another person.

"Do not take revenge nor bear a grudge..." (Lev. 19:18)

Rav Yisrael Salanter once delivered a sermon in Vilna, where he urged the people to improve their character failings. A certain individual felt the remarks were being directed to him, so he stood up and loudly berated Rav Yisrael in public. After he finished yelling, he stomped out of the synagogue, slamming the door behind him.

Rav Yisrael quickly ran after the fellow. When he reached him he told him gently, "I understand you are upset with me, but you must not go outside without a coat. It's freezing and you might catch cold!" The man was impressed with the Rav's sincerity, and when Rav Yisrael explained that he had not intended his remarks for any specific person, the man was placated.

Reishis Chachma quotes a wise man: "No person has ever insulted me more than once. Once I don't respond to the first insult, it's just not repeated."

Did You Know...

It is forbidden to crossbreed two different species of animals together. One may not even work with two species together, for example to plow together or to pull a coach together. Even prodding them on by shouting at them, if they are harnessed together, is prohibited. Riding in a coach led by two species is also not permitted. One may not tie two species together, even to prevent them from escaping. The same laws apply to different species of birds, too. Grafting different species of fruit trees is also not allowed, though the fruit produced from the graft is permitted.