http://www.israelnationalnews.com/Articles/Article.aspx/10187A Royal Wedding-Holy Matrimony!
by Yonatan Sredni
What does it mean to be 'holy'? The author muses about that question in light of the Royal Wedding, this week's Torah portion and the upcoming memorial days for the holy martyrs of Israel.
If you were a fan of the old 'Batman' TV seriesyou are certainly familiar with the Caped Crusader's loyal sidekick and crime fighting partner, Robin. While Batman was always poised and in control of his emotions, Robin was a highly excitable young man. Throughout their exploits, Robin would often discover something completely unbelievable. On these occasions, he would exclaim, "Holy (insert words here), Batman!"
Of course, if the Dynamic Duo crashed the extravagant 'Royal Wedding' of Prince William and Kate Middleton this weekend in London, Robin could not help himself but exclaim, 'Holy matrimony, Batman!'
Unfortunately, the term 'holy' is thrown around too casually these days. I've heard baseball radio announcers use it to describe amazing plays on the diamond with phrases like 'HOLY COW!' or 'HOLY TOLEDO!' Another variation used by Jews and non-Jews alike is 'HOLY MOSES!'
This week's parsha, aptly named 'Kedoshim', opens with the command: “Be Kadosh (holy), because I, your G-d, am Kadosh." But what does that mean? How does one achieve 'holiness'? How can we be 'kedoshim'?
I believe part of the answer can be found in the very next verse. First comes the verse, “Be Kadosh, because I, your G-d, am Kadosh." Then the next verse says, "Ish imo v'aviv tira'u". One should revere his mother and father. (Lev. 19:3).
In the Talmud, the commandment to honor one's parents is compared to honoring God. The Talmud says that since there are three partners in the creation of a person (God and two parents), honor showed to parents is the same as honor shown to God. The commandment, to honor one's parents is repeated many times throughout the Torah.
This Shabbat, Parshat Kedoshim is also closely followed by Yom HaShoa, the day commemorating the six million "Kedoshim" who perished in the Holocaust. Can we perhaps also apply this idea to them? I think so. 'Honor' comes is many forms. Anything and everything we do on this day which 'honors', remembers, and pays respect to those six million 'kedoshim', whether it's standing in silent reflection together as a national (as we do in Israel) for two minutes, reciting Psalms and Kaddish, lighting a Yizkor candle, or even just thinking about them, brings 'honor' (kavod) to the memories of those 'kedoshim'.
And what about the Royal Couple? Well, I wish them much happiness, but most importantly, I hope they take the idea of 'holy matrimony' seriously. In Judaism marriage is called 'Kidushin' for a reason. It is derived from the word 'kadosh' – holy, and this describes quite accurately the Jewish attitude towardmarriage because it is indeed 'holy'. I hope William and Kate not only respect each other, but also respect their parents and grandparents
We all know that the reward the Torah ascribes to one who honors their parents is long life.
With that in mind, I can truly say, "Long the live the Prince!"
And of course, his lovely bride too.
Topic: Is Everyone Here As Sick As Hearing About The Royal Wedding As I Am? (Read 1632 times)