“That Divine Core of Holiness”

  Most rabbis love this second of the dual portions read this Shabbat. It is called Kedoshim whose root, k/d/sh, is translated as “holy.” From it we get words such as kodesh, kiddush, kaddish, kedusha, etc. And “holy” means “separate” or “unique.”

  The opening words of the sedra are a Divine command that we should be holy for God is holy. Now it occurred to me that while I’ve written and spoken about this for decades, I would venture to say that you haven’t read Kedoshim which some believe is more important than the Ten Commandments. So here is more than just the essence of what it means to be “holy,” as presented by Rabbi Shefa Gold:

WHEN I AM CONNECTED TO THAT DIVINE CORE OF HOLINESS, THEN:

   I have reverence for my parents,

          where I come from,

   I protect and cherish the sacred times of rest,

           I leave the corners of the field,

    a portion of my earnings for the poor and the stranger.

           I do not steal or lie or swear falsely.

           I pay my workers fairly and on time.

WHEN I AM CONNECTED TO THAT DIVINE CORE OF HOLINESS, THEN:

                        I do not curse the deaf

                     put obstacles before the blind.

                     I am fair to rich and poor alike.

                               I don’t gossip.

                     I cannot ignore the violence in my world.

                     I don’t hold grudges or hatred in my heart.

WHEN I AM CONNECTED TO THAT DIVINE CORE OF HOLINESS, THEN:

                 I tell the truth even when it’s hard.

                 I love my neighbor as I would myself.

                 I keep separate what needs to be 

                            Separate for its integrity,

                   When I eat I am mindful of resources,

                 I live in awe of the holiness of our world,

                             and the presence of the stranger

                               awakens compassion in me.