The Revolutionary Act of Being 'Holy'

By Jack Levy

---

In a world obsessed with erasing differences, where even such fundamental aspects as gender can be chosen by a child, the words of the parashah Kedoshim resonate with a surprising challenge:

"You shall be holy, for I, the Lord your God, am holy." (Leviticus 19:2)

This mandate of holiness is deepened in this week's parashah Emor, where it defines not only the actions we must take, but also how we must mark time and honor our profound traditions. These parashot urge us to clearly define who we are and to live with a purpose that transcends the confusion of our era — not just as individuals, but as a community that dares to stand out. But in this modernity, what does it really mean to be 'holy'? It's not just about purity; it's about identity, about having the courage to declare who we are, delving into the question of where we come from and not just being influenced by what society wants to impose on us.

Identity in Crisis:

Look around us: in some corners of this planet, children are no longer defined by gender at birth. They are labeled as 'unassigned' or are offered a palette of identities as if they were choosing the color of a T-shirt. The result? A generation entangled in an identity crisis that doesn't even know who it is before deciding who it wants to be. Is this the price of our 'liberation'?

Holiness as a Declaration of Identity:

Contrast this with "Kadosh," that ancient Hebrew term for 'holy' which literally means 'separated.' In Judaism, separating is precisely how we affirm who we are. The laws of Kashrut, the norms of Shabbat, each "no" is a "yes" to an identity that has withstood the test of millennia. We are not confused; we are committed, and in this commitment, we find our clarity.

The Power of Limits:

In a world obsessed with the idea that any limit is a barrier, Judaism celebrates limits as definitions. How can an artist paint without the confines of their canvas? Limits do not restrict; they focus. They allow us to act not on a basis of indefiniteness, but with the strength of certainty. Our laws are not chains; they are clear guidelines that free us to move with purpose and passion.

A Call to the Revolution of Identity:

So here is the challenge: while the world embraces a spectrum of identities to the point of paralysis, Kedoshim and Emor offer us a revolution of identity. It invites us to affirm who we are with clarity and conviction in a sea of uncertainty. This is not regression; it is conscious evolution. It's not about closing ourselves off to new possibilities; it's about having the courage to declare: "This is what I am," strengthening our identity with a deep understanding of where we come from and how that shapes where we are going.

"You Shall Be Holy"

"Being holy" is not a discourse from the past; it is a brave statement for the present. In an era of indefiniteness, being "Kadosh" is our revolutionary act. It is the refusal to dissolve into ambiguity and an invitation to affirm an identity that is as ancient as it is urgent. Let us not lose ourselves in the fog of indecision. Let us be holy; let us be clear. Because in that clarity, we not only find God; we find ourselves.את עצמנו.