Embracing Holiness: A Call to Every Soul
By: Mindeleah Pollak, Upper School Judaic Studies Teacher
This week’s Torah Portion is KEDOSHIM. Moshe addresses “KOL ADAT B’NEI YISRAEL” - the entire Israel community with the commandment of “KEDOSHIM T’HIYU” - YOU shall be HOLY”. Rashi explains that Moshe had to instruct the entire assembly of the contents of this Portion since the majority of the prime principles of the Torah are written here. Thus, Moshe had to address each individual, directly. The Alshich explains there could be a danger where a person feels that these Mitzvot do NOT relate to him/her, they only relate to "frum people", to holy people. The Alshich says that the Torah tells us that you and every single person has a responsibility to be Holy ourselves - "Kedoshim T’hiyu". A further thought is that there are some people who cannot relate to the concept of Kedusha. They feel it could only be a very spiritual person or a Rabb that can achieve it; however, the Torah wants every individual to know that WE ourselves can and should be HOLY.
Rabbi Mirvis points out that we are now living in a world where Artificial Intelligence is being programmed to enhance our human performance and computers may have higher intelligence than Human Beings. However, with all that said, the computer does not have a Neshama, a soul. It cannot experience the presence of Hashem nor can it achieve spiritually; in this age of advanced technology prowess, we find our souls are crying out for a challenge to express our spiritually; our souls are screaming out for this Kedusha; there is an enormous need to attain some level of Holiness. Let us take heed of the command of “Kedoshim T’hiyu” in order that everyone one of us can become holy and can increase holiness in this world, as it is so desperately needed now.
Shabbat Shalom to all.