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Parashat Kedoshim 5782 / פָּרָשַׁת קְדשִׁים
7 May 2022 / 6 Iyyar 5782 (Diaspora)
Parashat Kedoshim is the 30th weekly Torah portion in the annual Jewish cycle of Torah reading.
Torah Portion: Leviticus 19:1-20:27 https://tikkun.io/#/r/3-19-1
Kedoshim (“Holy”) opens by instructing the Israelites to be holy. It details dozens of laws regulating all aspects of life, including observing Shabbat, loving one’s neighbor, and leaving portions of a field for the poor. It ends by detailing punishments for certain types of idolatry and sexual misconduct. [1]
Triennial year 3
1: 19:15-18 · 4 p’sukim ·
2: 19:19-22 · 4 p’sukim ·
3: 19:23-32 · 10 p’sukim ·
4: 19:33-37 · 5 p’sukim ·
5: 20:1-7 · 7 p’sukim ·
6: 20:8-22 · 15 p’sukim ·
7: 20:23-27 · 5 p’sukim ·
maf: 20:25-27 · 3 p’sukim ·
Haftarah for Ashkenazim: Amos 9:7-15 · 9 p’sukim
Commentary and Divrei Torah:
Kedoshim picks up from the previous portion, Aharei Mot, in discussing various laws and ordinances. During non-leap years, these two are read together since the themes are similar and connected. Some of the parashat continues while much of it introduces us to new mitzvot, most of it relating to the Ten Commandments.
While chapter 18 of Leviticus in the portion of Aharei Mot discusses forbidden relationships, Kedoshim discusses consequences, for example.
We are also told and reminded of laws that are critical for society to function optimally. We are commanded to respect our parents. Our parents are crucial for our learning morality and functioning properly in society.
We are given mitzvot how to behave in business. We are not to cheat others and withhold important information for making the business deal. All this comes to a head as we are told to love our fellow as ourselves.
But once again, we are admonished not to gossip. Don’t join with others in the commission of false reporting. Don’t gossip. Like murder, this is an action that, for the most part, can’t be undone. When someone’s life is gone, it’s gone. When someone’s reputation is tarnished, it is near impossible to redeem their esteem; there will always be that doubt. Perhaps talebearing is subtle and less evident and obvious why Torah addresses it so often; murder is pretty obvious. In fact, during Yom Kippur, many of our repentances address this act more so than other acts. Think about it….
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