Parshas Kedoshim begins with the command that we be holy because Hashem, our G-d, is holy. What does it mean to be holy? Rashi tells us that wherever we find a protection against immorality, we find holiness. Making sure we stay far from sin is the way to become holy.
However, the Torah then turns to matters which seem far from holiness, laws that revolve around business dealings, charity, paying workers, and so on. We would expect this parsha to deal with illicit relationships.
Obviously, then, we find that holiness comes from treating our fellow man properly, as well. Creating boundaries that prevent us from harming people by being sensitive to them will also strengthen our positive relationships and lead to holiness.
However, sometimes we are NOT to be nice to others. We are not to honor people who have sinned, or flatter them. We do not judge favorably one whose actions don’t comport with Torah, and though speaking negatively about others is a lowly thing, some even say it is a mitzvah to speak Lashon Hara about people who cause machlokes, so people know to stay away from them.
Kedusha, we thus learn, comes from building walls and separations where they belong, and from building bridges where they are needed.
Thought of the week:
Love your fellow as you love yourself... or at least as much as you love pizza.
