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Leviticus 11:45 - Holiness mirrors Divine redemption.

Leviticus 11:45 - ויקרא 11:45

Hebrew Text

כִּי אֲנִי יְהוָה הַמַּעֲלֶה אֶתְכֶם מֵאֶרֶץ מִצְרַיִם לִהְיֹת לָכֶם לֵאלֹהִים וִהְיִיתֶם קְדֹשִׁים כִּי קָדוֹשׁ אָנִי׃

English Translation

For I am the Lord that brings you up out of the land of Miżrayim, to be your God: you shall therefore be holy, for I am holy.

Transliteration

Ki ani Adonai hama'ale etchem me'eretz Mitzrayim lihyot lachem lelohim vihyitem kedoshim ki kadosh ani.

Hebrew Leining Text

כִּ֣י <b>׀</b> אֲנִ֣י יְהֹוָ֗ה הַֽמַּעֲלֶ֤ה אֶתְכֶם֙ מֵאֶ֣רֶץ מִצְרַ֔יִם לִהְיֹ֥ת לָכֶ֖ם לֵאלֹהִ֑ים וִהְיִיתֶ֣ם קְדֹשִׁ֔ים כִּ֥י קָד֖וֹשׁ אָֽנִי׃
כִּ֣י ׀ אֲנִ֣י יְהֹוָ֗ה הַֽמַּעֲלֶ֤ה אֶתְכֶם֙ מֵאֶ֣רֶץ מִצְרַ֔יִם לִהְיֹ֥ת לָכֶ֖ם לֵאלֹהִ֑ים וִהְיִיתֶ֣ם קְדֹשִׁ֔ים כִּ֥י קָד֖וֹשׁ אָֽנִי׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Divine Source of Redemption

The verse emphasizes that it is Hashem Himself who redeemed the Jewish people from Egypt, as stated: "כִּי אֲנִי יְהוָה הַמַּעֲלֶה אֶתְכֶם" ("For I am the Lord that brings you up"). Rashi (Vayikra 11:45) explains that this phrasing underscores that the Exodus was not accomplished through an intermediary (like an angel), but through direct Divine intervention. This establishes a unique covenantal relationship between Hashem and Israel.

The Purpose of Redemption

The verse continues: "לִהְיֹת לָכֶם לֵאלֹהִים" ("to be your God"). The Rambam (Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 1:1) teaches that this phrase signifies the exclusive bond formed at Har Sinai, where Bnei Yisrael accepted Hashem's sovereignty. The Sforno adds that the Exodus was not merely physical liberation, but a spiritual elevation to enable Israel to serve as a "ממלכת כהנים וגוי קדוש" (a kingdom of priests and a holy nation - Shemot 19:6).

The Call to Holiness

The imperative "וִהְיִיתֶם קְדֹשִׁים" ("you shall therefore be holy") is explained by the Ramban (Vayikra 19:2) as a charge to practice perishut (abstinence) even from permitted pleasures when indulged excessively. The Kli Yakar notes that this holiness must emulate Divine attributes - just as Hashem is separate from physicality ("כִּי קָדוֹשׁ אָנִי"), so too must Israel sanctify themselves through mitzvah observance.

Key Lessons from Traditional Sources

  • Rashi: The Exodus establishes Hashem's direct relationship with Israel, excluding intermediaries.
  • Rambam: Redemption's purpose was to facilitate Divine service through Torah.
  • Ramban: Holiness requires going beyond technical prohibitions to spiritual refinement.
  • Midrash Tanchuma (Kedoshim 2): "Be holy" means separating from immorality and idolatry that characterized Egypt.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 39a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the holiness of the Jewish people and their obligation to emulate God's holiness.
📖 Sifra Kedoshim
The verse is cited in the context of explaining the commandment to be holy as God is holy, emphasizing the ethical and spiritual obligations derived from this principle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean that Hashem brought us out of Egypt 'to be your God'?
A: Rashi explains that this means Hashem took us out of Egypt on the condition that we accept His commandments and serve Him. The Exodus wasn't just about physical freedom, but about entering into a covenant relationship with Hashem where we commit to follow His Torah.
Q: Why does the verse connect being holy with Hashem's holiness?
A: The Ramban teaches that just as Hashem is separate and elevated (kadosh), we too must strive to separate ourselves from improper behaviors and elevate our actions. This doesn't mean we become divine, but rather that we emulate Hashem's ways of kindness, justice and purity in our human capacity.
Q: How can we practically 'be holy' in daily life?
A: The Talmud (Yevamot 20a) explains that holiness is achieved through separating from forbidden matters and going beyond the letter of the law. This includes careful speech, ethical business practices, modest behavior, and dedicating time to Torah study - making ordinary activities into opportunities for serving Hashem.
Q: Why does the verse mention the Exodus when talking about holiness?
A: The Midrash (Sifra) connects these ideas by teaching that just as Hashem demonstrated His uniqueness through the miracles in Egypt, we demonstrate our special relationship with Him through living holy lives. Remembering the Exodus reminds us of our purpose as a nation chosen to serve Hashem.
Q: Does this commandment apply to all Jews or just the priests?
A: While the Kohanim have additional holiness obligations, the Rambam (Yesodei HaTorah 7:1) emphasizes that this verse addresses all of Israel. Every Jew is commanded to sanctify themselves through proper conduct, making holiness an attainable goal for all through Torah observance.