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A word of Torah:
This Shabbat’s Torah portion, Kedoshim, is described by Bible scholars as part of the holiness code. Its motif word is kedushah—holiness. What does holy mean? For Rashi, the 11th century Bible commentator, it means separate and distinct. His understanding is that we should separate ourselves from the temptations of the world and distinguish ourselves as a people apart from the other nations. For Rashi, holiness comes from separating from sin. Religion is about separating from the worldly and embracing the spiritual. It can lead to the notion that the more we limit our experience with the world, the holier we can be. For Rashi, holiness is created by boundaries and prohibitions.
We can also understand holiness in a very different way. Kedushah can be understood as a seeking for a sense of connection and wholeness. In this view, the material world is not the enemy or a distraction from spirituality, but rather the gateway to the spiritual life. This modern sounding notion can be found in earlier sources. The Talmud says, “When you get to heaven you will be asked to explain why you saw delicious food that you passed on eating.” (JT Kiddushin 48b) This world is God’s creation and is meant to be enjoyed.
The notion of the holiness of the material world is a central teaching of Hasidism. The Hasidic masters taught that you shouldn’t think that holiness can only be found in doing mitzvot/religious acts. Nor is it only found in extraordinary moments such as the birth of a child or in an incredible sunset. Holiness can be found in the everyday moments that fill our lives.
In this understanding, holiness is a basic way of seeing and experiencing life. It represents a striving to be present in each moment (even as we know that often we will be distracted or unconscious). It reminds us to celebrate the gift of our lives. It is more than being kind and compassionate, though of course that is essential. Holiness means being in touch with wholeness. It acknowledges the preciousness of existence.
Even as we experience existential aloneness, holiness fosters a sense of existential connectedness to the universe. When we experience that sense of connectedness, we in turn are able to respond with our best selves to others, meeting them with caring, compassion and love. A conversation with a friend, an unexpected smile, a beautiful flower, or a moment of insight all have the potential to be a moment of connection to the wholeness underlying the universe. Holiness can be found in every interaction, when we really hear what is being said, and when we choose the generous response.
In these stressful times, it is even more important:
to answer yes to the oldest question in the world: Am I my fellow’s keeper?
to respond with patience especially when it is in short supply,
to use our inner light to dispel the spreading darkness of fear and rumor,
and amidst all the uncertainty to hold high one indisputable truth:
We, each and every one of us, are victims at this challenging time,
and yet, even now we can find holiness
when we meet one another with kindness and understanding.
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