This week's Parsha Kedoshim follows last week which we read Acharei Mos. In Achrei Mos, we read about all of the illicit relationships that are forbidden with severe penalties of death. This week we are commanded to be holy - Kedoshim. We can learn from here that even though a person may have violated some of the worst acts if he decides to be holy he can. The Ohr Hachaim points out that the Torah says this commandment to all of Bnei Yisroel because every Jew no matter how steeped in impurity they may be can uplift themselves and become holy. Each time a person overcomes their evil inclination on whatever level they are on can attain some aspect of Holiness.

Hashem tells us that this is distinguishes us from the nations of the world. The Jewish People are a holy nation and we must act in a more refined manner than the nations that we live among. This is inherent in our essence as a nation. Many times in history we have assimilated and mistakenly believed that we are no different than the nations of the world, this mistake has always come back to haunt us. As we are currently experiencing a reality which we never would have thought would ever re-emerge after the Holocaust, we see a world divided and focused on the one Jewish question. Our friends, acquaintances, co-workers and classmates have risen up against us. It should awaken us to the reality of our uniqueness and it requires us to act as the Holy Nation that we are. 

May this be a merit for a speedy recovery for Miriam bas Gittel

Shabbat Shalom,

Heath