Parshas Kedoshim: Preparing to be Transformed

דבר אל כל עדת בני ישראל ואמרת אלהם קדשים תהיו כי קדוש אני ד' אלקיכם

(ויקרא י"ט:ב)

“Speak to the entire congregation of Bnei Yisroel and say to them ‘You shall be holy, because I Hashem am Holy’”

What does ‘being holy’ mean? Rashi explains, that holiness is a reference to areas of morality; for one who avoids immoral behavior brings upon himself holiness. 

Ramban sees in this verse a global, all-encompassing concept. Kadoshim in this context does not mean ‘holiness’ per se, but rather abstaining from excesses. The Ramban explains, that theoretically, a person can follow Halacha to the letter; keeping the highest standards of kashruth- following all the rules of family purity, and generally making sure that every activity that he engages in is technically permissible.

However, he manages to indulge all his lusts and desires, speaking in an unrefined manner and being left ‘unchanged’.

Such a person might be keeping the ‘letter of the law’ while missing the the ‘spirit’ of the Torah. Seeing the trees, while missing the forest- the bigger picture. The mitzvos of the Torah are designed to create a whole, refined person, with higher values and priorities. After all the mitvos listed in the previous parshios, the Torah is reminding us of the goal- that you shall be holy. We should be in control of ourselves and control are excesses. We should partake of all the world has to offer, but as a means to an end, not as an end unto itself.

The Ramban cites another example of this; after the Torah teaches monetary laws, the Torah sums it up with ועשת הישר והטוב  you shall be straightforward and good. Here again, the Torah is reminding us that the monetary mitvos are not just a list of ‘do’s and don’ts’ but rather a value system that we should strive to internalize.

In essence then, the Torah is commanding us to allow ourselves to be transformed. Allow the values of the Torah to penetrate us and uplift us; to shape our outlook and our goals. To establish a way of life and a new set of priorities. 

Perhaps the same can be said for actual Torah learning as well; as we continue to learn our Holy Torah, we should allow our way of thinking to be molded and shaped by the Torah, incorporating the values of the Torah into our thinking process.

How fortunate we are for this priceless gift! אשרנו מה טוב חלקנו  !

Have a wonderful Shabbos!