Ames Jewish Congregation

Acharei Mot - K’doshim
אַחֲרֵי מוֹת - קְדֹשִׁים
Adonai spoke to Moses saying: Speak to the whole Israelite community and say to them, “You shall be holy, for I, Adonai your God, am holy” (Lev. 19:1-2).

This pronouncement is directed not to the priests, but to the entire community of Israel. Each of us has the capacity for holiness.

But what does it mean to be holy? The next few verses offer rules for Israelite life, but are they intended to promote holiness, or was the opening statement of the Torah portion a charge unrelated to the statements that follow? Can honoring our parents, observing the Sabbath, renouncing idolatry, or leaving the produce on the edges of our fields for the poor make us holy? Is abstaining from theft, deceitful practices, or withholding our workers’ wages until the end of the week enough to make us holy?

Commentators have struggled with this verse for centuries. Let us know your thoughts below! And get connected with us on the Blast to find out when we will be discussing this parsha more in depth this coming week.

T'tzaveh
תְּצַוֶּה
[You] Shall Further Instruct

The children of Israel are commanded to bring pure olive oil for the ner tamid "a constantly burning light," above the sanctuary. (27:20-21)
Aaron and his sons, Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar, are chosen to serve as priests. (28:1)
God instructs Moses to make special clothes for the priests. (28:2-43)
Aaron and his sons are ordained in a seven-day ceremony (29:1-29:46)
Aaron is commanded to burn incense on an acacia altar every morning and evening. (30:1-10)