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Leviticus 19:2 - Strive for divine holiness

Leviticus 19:2 - ויקרא 19:2

Hebrew Text

דַּבֵּר אֶל־כָּל־עֲדַת בְּנֵי־יִשְׂרָאֵל וְאָמַרְתָּ אֲלֵהֶם קְדֹשִׁים תִּהְיוּ כִּי קָדוֹשׁ אֲנִי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם׃

English Translation

Speak to all the congregation of the children of Yisra᾽el, and say to them, You shall be holy: for I the Lord your God am holy.

Transliteration

Daber el kol-adat bnei-Yisrael ve'amarta aleihem kedoshim tihyu ki kadosh ani Adonai Eloheichem.

Hebrew Leining Text

דַּבֵּ֞ר אֶל־כׇּל־עֲדַ֧ת בְּנֵי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל וְאָמַרְתָּ֥ אֲלֵהֶ֖ם קְדֹשִׁ֣ים תִּהְי֑וּ כִּ֣י קָד֔וֹשׁ אֲנִ֖י יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֵיכֶֽם׃
דַּבֵּ֞ר אֶל־כׇּל־עֲדַ֧ת בְּנֵי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל וְאָמַרְתָּ֥ אֲלֵהֶ֖ם קְדֹשִׁ֣ים תִּהְי֑וּ כִּ֣י קָד֔וֹשׁ אֲנִ֖י יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֵיכֶֽם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Commandment of Holiness

The verse (Vayikra 19:2) commands Bnei Yisrael to strive for holiness, stating: "קְדֹשִׁים תִּהְיוּ כִּי קָדוֹשׁ אֲנִי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם" ("You shall be holy, for I, the Lord your God, am holy"). This directive is foundational in Jewish thought, emphasizing that holiness is not merely a spiritual ideal but an active pursuit in daily life.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that the commandment to "be holy" refers to separation from forbidden relationships and sins, even when not explicitly prohibited. He derives this from the context of the surrounding verses, which discuss moral and ethical laws. Thus, holiness involves restraint beyond the letter of the law—avoiding permissible behaviors that may lead to moral degradation.

Rambam's Perspective

In Sefer HaMitzvot, Rambam (Maimonides) counts this as one of the 613 mitzvot (positive commandment 33). He interprets it as a call to sanctify oneself through permissible actions—moderation in eating, speech, and conduct—so that one does not become enslaved to physical desires. This aligns with his philosophy in Hilchot De'ot, where he advocates for the "middle path" of balanced, elevated living.

Talmudic and Midrashic Insights

  • The Sifra (a halachic Midrash on Vayikra) teaches that holiness is achieved through fulfilling mitzvot—both between man and God (e.g., prayer, Shabbat) and between man and man (e.g., honesty, kindness).
  • The Talmud (Yevamot 20a) states, "Sanctify yourself in what is permitted to you," reinforcing the idea that holiness requires discipline even in areas not explicitly forbidden.

The Nature of Divine Holiness

The verse grounds human holiness in God's holiness ("for I, the Lord your God, am holy"). The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 24:4) explains that just as God is separate from impurity, so too must Israel separate themselves from sin. However, unlike God's inherent holiness, human holiness is achieved through effort and adherence to Torah.

Practical Application

Orthodox Judaism applies this verse by:

  • Emphasizing kedushah (holiness) in marital relations, business ethics, and speech.
  • Encouraging middot tovot (positive character traits) as a reflection of divine attributes.
  • Viewing mitzvot as tools to elevate mundane actions into sacred acts.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yevamot 20a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the concept of holiness and the requirement for the Jewish people to emulate God's holiness in their actions.
📖 Sifra Kedoshim 1:1
The verse is the opening of the section on holiness, emphasizing the commandment for the Israelites to be holy as God is holy.
📖 Avodah Zarah 20b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the boundaries of holiness and separation from idolatry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'You shall be holy' mean in Leviticus 19:2?
A: The command 'You shall be holy' means that the Jewish people are called to live a life of spiritual and moral purity, separating themselves from negative behaviors and striving to emulate God's holiness. Rashi explains that this includes distancing oneself from forbidden relationships and sinful acts, while Rambam (Hilchot De'ot) teaches that holiness involves moderation and ethical conduct in all aspects of life.
Q: Why does the verse say 'for I the Lord your God am holy'?
A: The Torah connects our holiness to God's holiness to teach that we must strive to imitate His ways (Imitatio Dei). Just as God is separate from impurity, we too must sanctify ourselves in our actions. The Midrash (Sifra) explains that just as God is compassionate and kind, we must also embody these traits to reflect His holiness in the world.
Q: How can we apply 'You shall be holy' in daily life?
A: We apply this commandment by observing mitzvot (commandments) and refining our character. The Talmud (Yevamot 20a) teaches that holiness includes avoiding even permitted behaviors if they lead to excess or moral laxity. For example, eating kosher food with moderation, speaking kindly, and acting with honesty all contribute to living a holy life.
Q: Why is this verse addressed to 'all the congregation of Israel'?
A: The Torah emphasizes 'all the congregation' to teach that holiness is not just for leaders or scholars—every Jew, regardless of status, is called to live a sanctified life. The Or HaChaim explains that collective holiness strengthens the entire nation, creating a unified community dedicated to God's will.
Q: What is the connection between holiness and the mitzvot in this parsha?
A: Leviticus 19 lists many mitzvot (e.g., honoring parents, charity, honesty) to show that holiness is achieved through practical actions. The Sforno teaches that each mitzvah refines our character, elevating us spiritually. Thus, the verse 'You shall be holy' serves as an introduction to these detailed commandments that guide us toward sanctity.