"You shall be holy, for I, the Lord your G-d, am holy" (Leviticus 19:2).
Be holy — but not withdrawn from the world. "For I am holy" — the created being should resemble its Creator - I too am holy, and yet I engage with everyone.
(Ketav Sofer)
Merit Through Unity
This portion was taught in an assembly, hakhel (Rashi). There is a hint here that through unity with the entire Jewish people, one merits holiness. As it says (Deuteronomy 23:15): "For the Lord your G-d goes along in the midst of your camp" — G-d is present when the camp is referred to in the singular, meaning it is whole and unified.
(Sefat Emet)
Holiness Among People
Since this portion was said at an assembly, hakhel, we learn that the Torah does not demand holiness through isolation and asceticism, but rather holiness within the community — with holiness being involved with people and part of the congregation.
(Chatam Sofer)
G-d Grants the Power
Just as by the command, "And you shall love the Lord your G-d," the possibility to love G-d was created within every Jew, so too with the statement, "You shall be holy," G-d created the potential for every person to attain holiness.
(Rabbi Pinchas Eliyahu of Piltz)
Overcoming the Desire for Wealth
The strongest of a person’s desires is the desire for wealth. Whoever has the strength to overcome this desire is worthy of being called "holy". As the Sages said (Pesachim 104b): Why was Rabbi Menachem bar Simai called "son of the holy ones"? Because he never even looked at the form of a zuz (a coin that was used during that time period).
(Rabbi Yisrael of Salant)
