Rabbi Michael Werbow
This week’s Torah portion is Acharei Mot–Kedoshim: Leviticus 16:1 — 20:27
When I work with people who are looking to convert to Judaism, one of the first things I share with them is that Judaism is not meant to be observed, practiced and lived in a vacuum. This is a lead into a conversation about the individual finding a community. Making stronger ties to Judaism and stronger ties to a community go hand in hand.
This sentiment is supported by a verse from Acharei Mot–Kedoshim, this week’s parasha. “God spoke to Moses, saying: Speak to the whole Israelite community and say to them: You shall be holy, for I, the Eternal, your God, am holy.” (Leviticus 19:1-2)
In the midrash (Leviticus Rabbah 24:5), Rabbi Hiyya taught: “This portion was stated in an assembly because most of the essential principles of the Torah depend upon it.” The emphasis Rabbi Hiyya places is very important. He is teaching us that within Judaism, holiness is achieved through the interactions we have with others. The potential for special times and moments increases when the number of people together increases.
Throughout the listings of instructions that follow in this section, many of them direct us in our behaviors with others in the community. We are to be honest in our business dealings. We are to treat strangers who reside with us as citizens. We are not to hold grudges and are to find ways to direct others to appropriate behaviors. We are not to take advantage of the limitations of others.
Sometimes, there is a tension between the Divine call for us to be holy and the reality of living in community. Relationships are often messy. When some of the obligations we have toward one another, whether listed in this parasha or not, are not followed, our society is damaged. Just last week, we read in Tazria–Metzorah, that the condition of Tzara’at did not just affect the physical bodies of the Israelites but also damaged the clothing they wore. Negative actions to others literally damaged the fabric of society.
We can point to many ills within our society that are tearing at the fabric of our society. Systemic issues of inequality rooted in poverty, racism and sexism. Violence, corruption and the breakdown of public discourse. Addiction, isolation and bullying.
Were we only to focus on the early parts of Leviticus, we might perceive Judaism as a tradition based on ritual and that the rites are the sole way to achieve holiness. Nothing could be further from the truth.
As stated in the opening verses of this chapter, God declares “I, the Eternal, your God, am holy,” 16 times in the chapter. The positive ways we engage with others and promote stability are important ways to bring the holiness of the Divine into the world. We are holy, and we bring God’s holiness into reality when we lift up others, when we act ethically and when we strengthen our communities. Let us continue to do this work together.
Rabbi Michael Werbow is the rabbi at Tifereth Israel Congregation in Washington, D.C.
