Parashat Acharei Mot & Kedoshim: Navigating Tragedy with Holiness and Patience (2020)

Hello, everyone. I hope you are coping as well as possible with the trying circumstances. It's not easy for anyone, and unfortunately, we are hearing many tragedies. It is quite appropriate to read this week the two parashot of Acharei Mot and Kedoshim.

Acharei Mot: Finding Clarity in the Cloud of Sorrow

Acharei Mot means "after." It speaks about the aftermath of the death of Aharon's two sons, Nadav and Avihu. Hashem tells us that after tragedy strikes, one needs time to strengthen oneself, to return to normalcy – an incredibly difficult process. We often recite Ashrei Yoshvei Veitecha, expressing happiness, but sometimes our hearts are heavy. She'Ka'halo – "that it is so." We must accept what befalls us, saying Baruch Hashem (Blessed be Hashem), trusting that Hashem intends our good, even if we don't understand.

The Parasha begins with Hashem instructing Aharon about the Avodah (service) of Yom Kippur, right after his sons' death. Why then? "Ki B'anan Era'eh al HaKapporet" – "For in a cloud I will appear above the Cover of the Ark." Hashem says, "My cloud shall cover the Aron Kodesh, and you will realize how close I am."

• The Cloud of Unclarity: If Hashem wants to reside among us, why in a cloud? A cloud symbolizes lack of clarity. Just as Avraham Avinu saw a cloud over Mount Moriah, indicating the place of sacrifice but not the reason, we often don't understand Hashem's ways. Aharon too remained silent (VaYidom Aharon), as the reason for his sons' death on the Mishkan's inauguration day was unclear.

• Hashem Sees All: Yet, Hashem says "Era'eh" – "I will appear," implying "I am seen," but also "I see everything." Even when we are surrounded by tragedy and don't understand, Hashem sees our sorrow and hardship. He assures us that though it's not clear now, He will eventually bring light and clarity.

A central part of the Yom Kippur service was the Goralot (lottery) of the two identical goats – one "LaShem" (to Hashem) and one "LaAzazel" (to Azazel). This teaches us that in any situation, we have an identical choice: to place our trust in Hashem and strengthen our Emunah (faith), knowing "HaKol Min HaShamayim" (everything is from Heaven), or, chas v'shalom (God forbid), to despair. Even with our best efforts (quarantine, masks, etc.), illness can strike, reminding us that ultimately, it is Hashem who speaks to us. We must choose to react by doing everything "LaShem," striving to improve.

Kedoshim: Striving for Holiness in Daily Life

Right after Acharei Mot comes Parashat Kedoshim: "Kedoshim Tihiyu Ki Kadosh Ani" – "You shall be holy, for I am holy." How can we be holy like Hashem?

• The Divine Spark: Hashem says He has placed a Neshama Elokit (divine soul) within each of us, a spark of divinity. "Hitkadishtem, Vi'Hyitem Kedoshim" – "If you make the effort to attain holiness, I shall help you." Your Neshama strives upwards, and if you make the effort, Hashem will assist.

• Beyond Passivity: Rashi explains holiness as "Perushim Min HaArayot" – separating from immorality, the topic at the end of Acharei Mot. However, Ramban teaches that holiness is not just about not doing bad; it's about being active. "Kadesh Atzmecha B'Mutar Lach" – "Sanctify yourself in that which is permitted to you."

  • This means setting boundaries of perfection in daily life: how you dress, eat, sleep, and conduct business. If you love eating, don't overindulge; if you enjoy sleeping, restrict your time.

  • Holiness isn't found in isolation but through mindful choices in your everyday actions.

• Sfiras HaOmer: The counting of the Omer is about striving for daily perfection, small steps of improvement in strength and in thinking of others.

Love, Patience, and Overcoming Vengeance

• Love Your Neighbor: "Lo Tisna Et Achicha Bi'Lvavecha" (Do not hate your brother in your heart) and "V'Ahavta L'Re'acha Kamocha" (Love your fellow as yourself) are fundamental. In crisis, we often focus on ourselves, but Hashem wants us to recognize the importance of human connection and helping others. Even a simple thought of helping can open the way to action.

• Patience (Orlah): The Mitzvah of Orlah (not eating fruit from a tree for the first three years, and bringing the fourth year's fruit to Jerusalem) teaches patience. We live in a "fast-fast" generation, demanding instant results. But Hashem reminds us that true appreciation, gratitude, and lasting joy come through patience and effort. Adam and Chava's impulsiveness cost them Gan Eden; to regain it, we must learn to wait, appreciate, and express gratitude.

• No Vengeance (Lo Tikom V'Lo Titor): The Parasha emphasizes "Lo Tikom V'Lo Titor" – "Do not take revenge, and do not bear a grudge." When someone wrongs us, it's easy to feel the urge for nekama (vengeance), to settle the score ourselves. But Chazal teach: "HaKol Min HaShamayim" – the person who harmed us was merely a shaliach (emissary) from Hashem. Taking vengeance solves nothing.

  • The X-Ray Technician: A true story: An X-ray technician, years after a school director refused his son admission, found the same director needing an urgent X-ray for his own son. His initial urge was to reject him, to make him feel the same worry. But he overcame this nekama, performing the X-ray and reassuring the anxious father. This act of kedushah (holiness) elevated him, demonstrating that "Kadoshim Tihiyu" is a daily choice.

May we only hear good news. My love to all of you from Antwerp. Have a wonderful Shabbos!