בס”ד
Parashat Kedoshim In this week’s reading we learn about being holy. Usually this means to be separated from the world. But in this short class we learn that holiness can also mean to be within the world, in a very special way.
Are you holy?
This week, we read two Torah portions: Acharei Mot and Kedoshim.
Both are rich with meaning, but Kedoshim begins with a powerful and universal instruction: “You shall be holy.”
But what does that really mean? What is holiness in a Jewish—and human—sense? Let’s explore.
Holiness Means Separation—But Not Isolation
In Judaism, the word “holy” (in Hebrew, kadosh) means to be separate—something set apart, distinct from the ordinary. A holy object or person is not mixed with the mundane.
So when the Torah says, “You shall be holy,” it’s instructing us to rise above the everyday, the material, the routine. This directive is given to the Jewish people, but the concept of striving for holiness applies to all of humanity.
The Contradiction: Holy or Involved?
Here’s the challenge: If being holy means separating from the world, how can we fulfill G-d’s purpose to make this world—a very physical, mundane world—His dwelling place?
If I separate from society, avoid the messiness of life, and retreat into a bubble of spirituality, how can I impact the world for the better?
Is holiness about going to the mountaintop and meditating, cut off from people, work, and daily life? If so, how does that help bring holiness into the world?
The Deeper Truth: Transform the Mundane
The answer is profound: holiness is not about escaping the world—it’s about transforming it.
Yes, being holy includes being distinct. But not in the sense of withdrawal. Instead, it means revealing the spark of G-dliness that exists in everything—even in the most mundane aspects of life.
G-d creates the world anew at every moment, and His divine energy is hidden in all things. Our job is to uncover it.
Everyday Holiness
So how do we do that?
We eat, sleep, work, talk, and rest—but we do it with intention. We eat to nourish our bodies so we can do good. We speak kindly to uplift others. We sleep to restore our energy to serve the next day.
Holiness doesn’t mean rejecting these things—it means elevating them. G-d gave us physical needs for a reason. When we perform even simple tasks with awareness of G-d and a sense of purpose, we sanctify those moments.
But Where Do I Find the Strength?
Great question—and the Torah offers two powerful answers:
1. Do Your Part—G-d Will Help
Our sages teach: “If you open for Me an opening like the eye of a needle, I will open for you a space like the entrance to the Temple.”
In other words, take even the smallest step toward holiness, and G-d will help you go the rest of the way.
2. You Will Become Holy
The portion begins with “You shall be holy” and ends with “You will be holy.”
This isn’t just a command—it’s a promise. If you commit to this path, you will become a holy person. Not just someone trying, but someone transformed.
Final Thoughts
Holiness is not reserved for the saints, the scholars, or the spiritually elite. It’s a daily calling for all of us—to elevate the ordinary, to find the divine in the details, and to bring light into the world, one holy act at a time.
So yes, you shall be holy—and with every step, you will be holy.
Talk from Rabbi Tuvia Serber
The above is a representation of the spoken text converted to written text.
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