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Parasha Kedoshim (Holy Ones): The Secret of Holiness

Hagbah_Sefer_Torah_Western_Wall

Kedoshim (Holy Ones) begins with God's command that Israel be holy because God is holy. Because the Hebrew word Kedoshim is related to Kadosh, the word for holy, sanctified, or set apart, we understand that a person set aside for the service of God is holy because God is holy. But what does true holiness really look like? Most people have their own preconceived notions of holiness based on preferences, upbringing, and even systems. The answer, however, is found in the Word of God.

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Parasha Shemini (Eighth): The Manifestation of the Presence of God

The Death of Ananais, by Raphael

This week’s Parasha provides the laws of kashrut (Biblical dietary laws). In Leviticus 11, God outlines which animals are edible and which are not. Why should the God of the Universe care about what we eat? The main purpose of the dietary laws is not for hygienic or health reasons; they set the Israelites apart as a holy people. What we eat not only affects our physical body and mind, but also our soul.

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Parasha Yitro (Jethro): A Treasured Possession and a Kingdom of Priests

Ten Commandments-Hebrew

The Torah portion begins with Moses’ father-in-law, Jethro (Yitro), coming from Midian with Moses’ wife and two sons after hearing of the great miracles that God performed for His people. When Moses found himself in the desert, fleeing for his life after killing an Egyptian slave driver, Jethro was the first one to offer him hospitality, safety, and friendship. Moses eventually married Jethro's daughter, Tzipora (Zipporah).

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Parasha Pinchas (Phinehas): Destiny, Consecration and Knowing God

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Pinchas was filled with hatred and fury against the sexual sin that so grossly profaned God’s holy name, and so he acted. The Israelites, perhaps, were unsure of his motivation, and may have been willing to punish him for his fanatic extremism; however, God, who saw his heart, set the matter straight and came to Pinchas' rescue by openly rewarding him.

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Parasha Naso (Lift Up): When God’s Name Is upon Us

Torah Yad Reading

This Parasha models community living, especially in regard to serving the Lord. When we live and work together in community, and everyone has their own assigned tasks so that each carries part of the load, burdens do not fall too heavily on a few key individuals. This is the idea behind the communal lifestyle of the Israeli kibbutz movement. It's also the lifestyle of the early kehillah—the early community of Believers in Yeshua HaMashiach (Jesus the Messiah).

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Parasha Acharei-Kedoshim (After-Holy Ones): Holy Confidence in Atonement

Bible-Beach

This week’s combined Torah portion, Parasha Acharei-Kedoshim, discusses Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) and holiness. It begins with Aaron, the Cohen Hagadol (high priest), preparing for the crucial once-a-year sacrifice on the Day of Atonement. In order to minister before the Lord on this holy day, Aaron first immersed himself in the mikvah (ritual cleansing). Before he brought the ketoret (incense offering) into the Holy of Holies, the innermost chamber of the Sanctuary, he put on simple, white linen clothing, representing purity and humility, which was appropriate for this sacred day, instead of his resplendent golden garments.

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Parasha Acharei-Kedoshim (After-Holy Ones): Holy Confidence

Day of Atonement-Isador Kaufman

This week’s combined Torah portion, Parasha Acharei-Kedoshim, discusses Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) and holiness, and begins with Aharon, the Cohen Hagadol (high priest), preparing for the crucial once-a-year sacrifice on the Day of Atonement. In order to minister before the Lord on this holy day, Aharon first immersed himself in the mikvah (ritual cleansing) and then put on a holy, linen tunic. Before he brought the ketoret (incense offering) into the Holy of Holies, the innermost chamber of the Sanctuary, he donned simple, white linen clothing, representing purity and humility, which was appropriate for this sacred day, instead of his resplendent golden garments.

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