Parashat Achrei Mot-Kedoshim 5783

by Rabbi Ellen S. Wolintz-Fields

This week’s Torah reading is the double portion of Parashat Achrei Mot-Kedoshim, which includes many familiar verses, such as V’ahavta L’reacha Kamocha, “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Leviticus 19:18).  There are many laws outlined in the chapters of these two parshiyot. The reasons for all these laws and regulations can be summoned up with what we are told in Leviticus 19:2, Kedoshim T’heeyu Kee Kadosh Anei Adonai Eloheinu, “You shall be holy, for I, the Lord your God am holy.”  We are taught in Genesis 1:27, that we are created b’tzelem elohieim, created in God’s image. Putting these two concepts together, since we are created in God’s image, and God is holy, we too must always act in a holy manner, in how we behave, what we say and what we do. This is such an important reminder to all of us. The Torah provides many rules and laws, to maintain a community of holy people. How wonderful the world would be; how holy our environment would be, if each and every one of us remembered to act and behave holy! May we have the courage and strength to always be holy, emulating God. Chazak v’Ematz – Be Strong and Courageous!