“Let us strive to be mindful of our words and actions, seeking opportunities to perform acts of kindness, to stand up for justice, and to uplift those in need”
How does one become a better person? One of the industries that has helped solve this challenge is the self-help industry. This industry has been around for a long time and self-improvement is included in this category. There are many ways one can practice self-improvement. Many books are available to help people with their self-improvement. Ultimately, there are things that a person can or shouldn’t do to become better. Parashat Kedoshim, known as the Holiness Code,” which is a portion in the book of Vayikra (Leviticus) contains a wealth of ethical teachings and commandments aimed at guiding the Israelites on the path to holiness and righteousness. At the heart of this parashah is the commandment, “You shall be holy, for I the Lord your G-d am holy.” This directive challenges us to strive for moral and ethical excellence in all aspects of our lives, following in the footsteps of the Divine. These instructions and laws can be a guide on our journey of becoming better individuals.
To be holy is not an unattainable ideal reserved for a select few; rather it is a call to action for each and every one of us to elevate ourselves and strive for greater goodness in our thoughts, words, and actions. The Torah outlines various laws and ethical principles in Parashat Kedoshim that lead us on this path towards holiness.
One of the most well-known teachings from Parashat Kedoshim is the commandment to love your neighbor as yourself: “You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against your countrymen. Love your fellow as yourself, I am the Lord” (Vayikra 19:18). Much can be learned from this profound commandment. Love is a powerful emotion and this profound statement emphasizes the importance of empathy, compassion, and kindness in our relationships with others. It calls upon us to treat our fellow human beings with the same care and respect that we wish for ourselves, fostering a sense of interconnectedness and community.
Furthermore, Parashat Kedoshim contains a wide range of laws and ethical principles that cover various aspects of daily life, including ethical business practices, care for the vulnerable members of society, and the importance of honesty and integrity in all dealings. Perhaps, you are familiar with the saying, people will do business with someone they know, like and trust. The teachings found in this portion remind us of the fundamental values of justice, compassion, and fairness that should guide our actions and interactions with others.
This parashah also emphasizes the importance of respecting the elderly, caring for the poor, and upholding the dignity of every individual, regardless of their social status or background. By promoting social justice and fairness, Parashat Kedoshim challenges us to look beyond ourselves and to actively work towards creating a more just and compassionate society for all.
Part of our self-improvement journey entails how we view and care for nature, such as animals and crops and trees. An example of this is the commandment concerning planting new trees. The Torah informs us that the fruit of these trees are forbidden to be eaten until the fifth year after planting. Despite doing the work caring for this tree, we must wait five years before we can enjoy the fruit of our labor. This instruction teaches us discipline and delayed gratification, which are important elements of self-improvement.
As we reflect on the teachings of Parashat Kedoshim, let us be inspired to become better individuals by embodying the values of holiness, compassion, and justice in our daily lives. Let us strive to be mindful of our words and actions, seeking opportunities to perform acts of kindness, to stand up for justice, and to uplift those in need.
May we internalize the lessons of this parashah and commit ourselves to the ongoing journey of self-improvement and spiritual growth. By living with integrity, compassion, and love towards our fellow human beings and our environment we can truly fulfill the commandment to be holy and bring more light and goodness into the world.
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