Parshas Acharei-Kedoshim 5766

Commentary by Rabbi Ephraim Nisenbaum

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During the times of the Temple, the Yom Kippur service was quite detailed. Much of that detail surrounded the High Priest's (Kohain Gadol) entry into the Holy of Holies, a place where no other person was allowed to enter the rest of the year. There he would offer a special incense offering. Although usually the Kohain Gadol would wear eight vestments, before entering the Holy of Holies he would wear only four simple garments made of white linen. It is for this reason that it is customary today to wear a white kittel, or robe, on Yom Kippur.

Part of the service also involved taking two goats, of which one was sacrificed in the Temple, and the other sent to its death in the wilderness as a “scapegoat” to bear the sins of the nation. The Kohain Gadol would also confess on behalf of the nation. Of course repentance was also necessary for complete atonement.

Following its description of the laws of Yom Kippur, the Torah forbids the consumption of blood. Although blood plays an important part in the sacrificial order on the Altar, it may not be eaten. The Torah explains that the essence of an animal lies in its blood. By eating blood a person ingests pure “animalism”, something that must be avoided by a person yearning to develop his unique human character. For this reason, kosher meat must first be salted or broiled in order to remove the blood, before it may be eaten.

The Torah also requires the blood of a kosher bird or non-domesticated animal to be covered with dirt immediately after slaughtering the animal. This, too, is meant to emphasize the covering of the essence of an animal before it can be eaten.

In the second portion of Kedoshim, the Torah instructs the Jew to live a holy existence. Although this admonition includes many of the mitzvos between man and G-d, the Torah also discusses many of the interpersonal related laws. Slander or gossip about another person, cursing others, taking revenge, and even bearing a grudge, are all prohibited.

Many of the business-related laws are also discussed in this portion. One may not rob another person, nor even withhold a laborer’s wages overnight.

The juxtaposition of these laws to the commandment of being holy suggests an important insight into holiness. One might think that the concept of holiness is exclusively limited 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 remiss in his interpersonal dealings cannot achieve holiness either. Acting fairly and honestly in business and in all one’s dealings is part of being a holy person because it reminds us that one is always before G-d, and we must behave accordingly.

“...You shall love your neighbor as yourself....” (Lev. 19:18)

The Chazon Ish would take a daily walk through B’nei Brak. Once a man was accompanying him on his walk when the rabbi suddenly slowed his pace considerably, for no apparent reason. The Chazon Ish explained to the man, “Look, there’s an elderly man right up ahead, walking with a limp. How would you feel, if you were in his shoes, and everybody kept passing you by? It is better for us to slow down and not remind him of his infirmity.”

Did You Know...

It is prohibited for a Jew to wear any sha’atnez, a mixture of wool and linen. Even if a woolen garment only has a single linen thread in it, e.g. to sew on a button, the garment is forbidden.

Often, a garment made of 100% polyester may contain wool and linen in the collar or shoulder stuffing. Men’s or women’s suits, jackets, and coats, should be checked by a trained “sha’atnez checker” to ascertain that they do not contain the prohibited mixture. Sha’atnez can usually be removed from the garment. Woolen hats with a lining should also be checked.

Trying on clothing in a store is permitted, even though one is not yet certain whether it is sha’atnez.