Beloved Friends,
In this week’s Torah portion Kedoshim, which means “holy” in Hebrew, we are confronted with a profound commandment: “You shall be holy, for I Adonai your God am holy” (Leviticus 19:2). This directive serves as a cornerstone of ethical behavior and spiritual aspiration within Judaism. It is a call to emulate the divine attributes, middot, of righteousness, compassion, and justice in our daily lives. Yet, within this commandment lies a deeper, often overlooked connection to the verse “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Leviticus 19:18) and the insightful commentary of Rashi, the renowned medieval Jewish commentator.
Rashi, in his commentary on the verse “Love your neighbor as yourself,” offers a profound insight into the nature of love and its relationship with self. He posits that one must first love oneself before extending love to others. This seemingly self-centered notion is not about egotism or selfishness. It follows the Mussar teaching about Anavah, humility, that calls us not to make ourselves small, but rather to recognize and value one’s own inherent worth and dignity as a prerequisite for genuinely caring for others. It is akin to the instruction given by flight attendants before takeoff: “Put your own oxygen mask on first before assisting others.”
In the context of the Torah’s command to be holy, Rashi’s commentary takes on added significance. Holiness must begin with a deep sense of self-respect and self-love. Only when we truly appreciate our own worth can we extend that love outward to our neighbors, our communities, and the world at large. This sequence is not just a matter of personal development; it is foundational to the very concept of holiness.
Hamas’ brutal attack on October 7th and the subsequent war in Gaza, serve as a stark reminder of the importance of this principle in the world we inhabit today. In the aftermath of that fateful day, when forces of division and hatred tore through communities, leaving scars that may take generations to heal, the imperative to love oneself and one’s neighbor takes on renewed urgency.
In the wake of such tragedies, it is easy to succumb to fear, anger, and suspicion. We may retreat into our own bubbles of safety, mistrusting those who are different from us or turning a blind eye to the suffering of others. But it is precisely in these moments of darkness that the light of holiness must shine brightest.
To be holy means to resist the forces of hatred and division, to stand firm in our commitment to love ourselves and our neighbors, and to work tirelessly for the well-being of all people including Israelis and Palestinians. It means reaching across divides, listening with empathy, and standing up against injustice wherever it may be found.
But we cannot do any of this if we do not first love ourselves. In a world that often seems intent on tearing us down, it is a radical act of resistance to affirm our own worth and dignity. It is an act of defiance against those who would seek to divide us and a testament to the power of love to overcome even the greatest of obstacles.
As we navigate the complexities of the post-October 7th world, let us hold fast to the commandment to be holy. Let us remember that true holiness begins with self-love but does not end there. Let us reach out to one another with open hearts and outstretched hands, knowing that in our shared humanity lies the promise of a better, more just world for all.
Shabbat Shalom,
