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Home -> 5755 -> Kedoshim

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum
In Kedoshim, 5755

“In the presence of an old person you shall rise and you shall honor the presence of a sage.” (19:32)

Rashi explains that the word iez, elder, refers to an elder in wisdom, a Torah scholar. He cites the Talmud in Kiddushin 32b that applies the notrikon technique of the word iez as implying         vnfj  vbea  vz  “this one has acquired wisdom.” This is consistent with the pasuk in Mishlei 3:35, “Honor is the inheritance of the scholar.” The Maharal explains that honor applies specifically to one who has amassed  a profound knowledge of the Torah. The physical world is inherently iniquitous and shameful, for it engenders debauchery and immorality. Thus, honor relates to that which…

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Home -> 5755 -> Kedoshim

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum
In Kedoshim, 5755

“With righteousness you shall judge your fellow.” (19:15)

In expounding on this pasuk, Rashi cites the famous dictum of Chazal in Pirkei Avos, “Judge all men in a favorable, meritorious light.” This axiom is more than good advice, it should be the accepted manner in which a Jew interacts with his fellow man. The Sfas Emes interprets the words “kol adam,” not as “everyman,” but as the “whole man.” If one wishes to find some merit in a person, he should judge him as a whole. He should not focus only upon his faults. Rather, he should look at the whole individual, and he will surely find some…

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Home -> 5755 -> Kedoshim

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum
In Kedoshim, 5755

“Every man; you shall revere your father and mother, and you shall observe My Shabbosos.” (19:3)

Horav S.R. Hirsch, z.l., asserts that respect for parents and Shabbos observance are two critical factors in preparing one for a life of kedushah, holiness. Parents, as the progenitors of the next generation, serve as the repository of Jewish history and the transmittors of this tradition. In this capacity, they herald Hashem’s wishes and are His representatives here on earth. We are adjured here to fear and revere our parents. To accept parental authority, to revere them obediently, is a critical step in the discipline and temperance one needs in order to attain holiness. Horav Hirsch takes note of the…

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Home -> 5755 -> Kedoshim

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum
In Kedoshim, 5755

“Speak to the entire assembly of Bnei Yisrael and say to them: You shall be holy.” (19:2)

Rashi explains that this section was proclaimed when all the people were assembled because most of the fundamental laws of the Torah are dependent on it. Many other mitzvos apply to only a particular segment of the nation, such as kohanim, leviim, the first-born, the males, etc.. The call to holiness, however, includes all of Klal Yisrael. Each person is implored to sanctify himself to the best of his ability. Each and every Jew has their own individual uniqueness which should be nurtured, developed, and sanctified l’shem shomayim, for the sake of Heaven. As Horav Eli Munk, z.l., notes, the…

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