The Best We Got?

If only one Torah Portion could be read to appreciate the scripture’s societal significance, what would it be?

While Yitro, which tells of the Ten Commandments received from Mt. Sinai would be one suggestion, the Portion Kedoshim is likely the consensus choice.

Kedoshim, however, is absent any drama or visual stimulation. The reader encounters a part of the Torah without visions of a splitting sea or a Golden Calf and the ground opening up to consume a population. Kedoshim is merely a list of laws.

The wide-ranging laws within the ancient text of Kedoshim, however, serve as Western Civilization’s cornerstone. These laws touch on the most basic question: “What should be the Human Condition?”

The Human Condition is troublesome. With existence consisting of a series of struggles, the Laws address concepts of unfairness and inequity.

To understand how this was addressed, one can look at the themes presented within the series of laws.

Holiness

What is holiness? Humans are not mere animals. We are capable of something better.

“Speak to the entire congregation of the children of Israel, and say to them, You shall be holy, for I, the Lord, your God, am holy.”

Leviticus 19:2

Family Relations

The family is to be sacred societal institution. While parents are to be afforded respect, they, however, are also subjected to boundaries. Children are to be afforded protection.

Every man shall fear his mother and his father

Leviticus 19:3

You shall not defile your daughter by making her a harlot, lest the Land fall into harlotry and the land be filled with immorality

Leviticus 19:29

The Human Body

A Human Body, dead or alive, is to be treated with respect.

You shall not make cuts in your flesh for a person [who died]. You shall not etch a tattoo on yourselves. I am the Lord.

Leviticus 19:28

Social Contract

Landownership and wealth is a privilege with responsibility. There is an expectation to share the fruits of one’s labor.

When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not fully reap the corner of your field, nor shall you gather the gleanings of your harvest. And you shall not glean your vineyard, nor shall you collect the [fallen] individual grapes of your vineyard; you shall leave them for the poor and the stranger. I am the Lord, your God.

Leviticus 19:9-10

Administration of Justice

Kedoshim brilliant strikes the balance between capitalism and socialism. It recognizes that while there are social obligations, each individual, regardless of standing, is to be viewed as an equal with respect to the justice system.

You shall not do an injustice in judgment. You shall not be partial to a weak person, and you shall not favor a big person. You shall judge your fellow with justice.

Leviticus 19:15

Social Conduct

Kedoshim goes beyond family conduct and extends to communities.

And you shall love your neighbor as yourself

Leviticus 19:18

Differences

Kedoshim recognizes that not all individuals are the same. There are individuals who should not mistreated due to their condition.

You shall not cause a deaf person, and you shall not place a stumbling block in front of a blind person

Leviticus 19:14

In sum, while this Post is not exhaustive as to the themes contained with Kedoshim, the noted themes clearly demonstrate the profound impact of this one Torah portion has had on Western Civilization. We can see how many of our contemporary laws continue with the themes expressed. Likewise, we can observe how these themes are attacked by certain individuals, societal forces, and movements.

Be well!!

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