Shalom
This weeks portion contains a lot of interesting commandments. Most importantly we read parts of this parsha on Yom Kippur because it details the service of the Kohen in the Holy of Holies on the Holiest day of the year. Since it is another double portion this week there are some very important concepts, including the command to be a holy people.
Is it a coincidence that last week we were discussing whether charity is a commandment or just a tradition or custom, and this weeks portion clearly says that we must give. And the oft mis-attributed biblical dictum, "Love your neighbor as yourself' is in our portion.
From Chabad.org's 'Parsha in a Nutshell'
http://www.chabad.org/parshah/article_cdo/aid/2894/jewish/Acharei-Kedoshim-in-a-Nutshell.htmFollowing the deaths of Nadav and Avihu, G‑d warns against unauthorized entry “into the holy.” Only one person, the kohen gadol (“high priest”), may—but once a year, on Yom Kippur—enter the innermost chamber in the Sanctuary to offer the sacred ketoret to G‑d.
Another feature of the Day of Atonement service is the casting of lots over two goats, to determine which should be offered to G‑d and which should be dispatched to carry off the sins of Israel to the wilderness.
The Parshah of Acharei also warns against bringing korbanot (animal or meal offerings) anywhere but in the Holy Temple, forbids the consumption of blood, and details the laws prohibiting incest and other deviant sexual relations.
The Parshah of Kedoshim begins with the statement: “You shall be holy, for I, the L‑rd your G‑d, am holy.” This is followed by dozens of mitzvot (divine commandments) through which the Jew sanctifies him- or herself and relates to the holiness of G‑d.
These include: the prohibition against idolatry, the mitzvah of charity, the principle of equality before the law, Shabbat, sexual morality, honesty in business, honor and awe of one’s parents, and the sacredness of life.
Also in Kedoshim is the dictum which the great sage Rabbi Akiva called a cardinal principle of Torah, and of which Hillel said, “This is the entire Torah, the rest is commentary”—“Love your fellow as yourself.”
Topic: Video Study for Parsha Achrei-Mot/Kedoshim : Being a Holy People (Read 2750 times)