When we learn Torah, we soon find out that Hashem usually speaks directly to Moshe. Parshat Kedoshim is one of the rare occasions where Hashem speaks directly to the Jewish people, signifying a special importance. Here we learn that as Hashem’s chosen people, we are expected to live by a higher standard of conduct compared to other nations.
Be Holy, Not Showy
Parshat Kedoshim, a testimony When G-d did not speak to Moshe solely, Rather he spoke to all Israel only, So that they should listen to G-d closely: "You should be holy, because I am holy," Ani Adonai," the one and only. There was a man who was rich and showy. Was not G-d fearing, he was unholy. His behavior lacked all sanctimony, Unwilling to spend, much parsimony. Shabbat? No Kiddush, no ceremony. Keep kosher? Tefillin? Not remotely. The gates of his farm, he would guard closely. Block poor from entering, like a goalie. Pauper forages for food morosely. Believes in Torah, but he was lonely. He saw the rich man, he was quite nosy. "In the next Parsha, learn to be holy!" So rich man agreed, and read it slowly. Then said to himself: "I must be holy!" G-d decrees to us "You should act nobly. Don't reap field's corners," even if moldy. So that the poor can glean fields jocosely. Obligation that shall make you holy. With his wheat, pauper makes macaroni. Rich man now shares his cheese ravioli. Learn from Parsha Kedoshim: be holy! To join with Hashem in matrimony. Ronen Khordipour makes Torah wisdom accessible to a wide Jewish audience through simple rhyming poetry. Khordipour is currently writing “Soul of the Scroll,” a book of poems for each Torah portion. Ronen is available for public readings, and can be reached at info@soulofthescroll.com.
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