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This pasuk describes the exalted level of holiness, and in contrast, the descent to the nadir of profanity. Does no “compromise” exist between these two extremes? Indeed, in regard to serving Hashem, there is no middle course. One either sanctifies Hashem’s Name, or is guilty of its desecration. One’s involvement in Hashem’s service is a process of constant ascension; one either fulfills the precept of “they shall be holy“, or by default, falls into the abyss of “and not profane the name of their G-d”. Chazal state that although Hashem forgives man for the sins of idol-worship, murder, and adultery,…

The commandment to sanctify the Kohen implies that an emphasis must be made regarding the prestige of the Kohen and the honor due him. Perhaps, as the Kesav Sofer writes, people were often tempted to show disrespect towards the Kohanim, because the Kohanim were dependent upon other Jews for their livelihood, in the form of the twenty-four priestly tributes.   This tendency to disdain the Kohanim is the reason that the Torah stresses the role of the Kohanim as trustees of the sacrificial service. The nation must be cognizant that this service is the vehicle that attracts Hashem’s blessing over…

In most circumstances when the Torah states  mitzvos or laws it use the word “And He spoke” which is considered a stronger and harsher terminology than “and He said” which is used here. What is the significance of this? The Kohanim who are charged with teaching the Torah and its laws to Am Yisroel represent the teachers and mentors of Am  Yisroel. As it is their possession of greater holiness which mandates this charge, they must accept upon themselves greater stringencies than the rest of Am  Yisroel. These laws must be accepted with joy and complete subordination of one’s will,…

  Rashi comments: “His kin is only his wife.” It may be noted that the Torah places one’s wife before one’s parents. The reason for this is that a man’s relationship with his wife is a bond which is closer and stronger than that of any other relative. This is clearly expressed by the Torah in Parashas Bereishis (2:24) “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and cling to his wife, and they shall be one flesh”. A man’s wife is an integral part of himself (upudf u,at). We suggest the following reason for this unique relationship. A…