Holiness

There is one commandment that is arguably more inclusive than any other single commandment in the Torah. “You shall sanctify yourselves and be holy, for I, HaShem, am your God.” Leviticus 20:7

This commandment goes beyond simple specific rules of exactly how to lead our lives. This is an entire philosophy of action. We should behave in a way that is representative of God, and of the Torah, and of the Jewish people. According to Sifri, D’varim 11:22, we should be gracious because God is gracious, we should be compassionate because God is compassionate, etc.

Peter also gives us a good insight into this commandment, “Therefore gird up your minds, be sober, set your hope fully upon the grace that is coming to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in all your conduct; since it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.’” I Peter 1:13-16 (RSV)

Even when there is no specific commandment, we should make sure that we act in a way that is consistent with the ideals of the Torah. As Peter points out, this involves keeping in a particular state of mind, not being manipulated just by our personal wants, but by our sense of right and wrong.

“They are to be holy to their God, and they shall not profane the name of their God, for they bring near the offerings of Hashem, the bread of their God, so they must be holy.” Leviticus 21:6 This verse is directed specifically at the priesthood, but it seems like there is a broader application here aswell. The reason for Israel to be holy like God is holy is so that we can serve God. Habakkuk 1:13 says that God is too pure to look at sin.

The idea of “holiness” in Hebrew, as I’m sure many of you already know, means to be set apart. We could think about it in terms of the special china. You can’t use special china for everyday use. It’s reserved for special dinners, like Thanksgiving, or when there’s important company. Likewise, we are reserved for special occasions. As members of God’s covenant with Abraham there are certain things that we don’t do, and certain things that we do, simply because we are set apart for those special deeds.