Kedoshim (Leviticus 19:1–20:27 — Becoming Holy as G-d is Holy. Is that truly possible?
Shorashim Torah Overview and Study Guide
The Torah portion of Kedoshim begins with the statement: “You shall be holy, for I, the L-rd your Gd, am holy.”
What connection is there between G-d being holy and us trying to be holy? We cannot be G-d?
This is followed by dozens of Divine commandments geared to separate and distinguish this people. Yet on the other hand it includes those commandments that bring people together
How do these two aspects relate to holiness?
These include the prohibition against idolatry, the mitzvah of charity, the principle of equality before the law, Shabbat, sexual morality, honesty, honor and awe of one’s parents, and the sacredness of life.
What connects all of these?
Also we read the great declaration, ” Love your fellow as yourself.” This declaration is described by the great sage Rabbi Akiva as a cardinal principle of Torah, and brought Hillel to declare that “This is the entire Torah, the rest is commentary.”
Why would such a seemingly selfish statement — Love your fellow as yourself?
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