Parashat Emor: Sanctifying Hashem in Every Moment

Good morning, everyone, wherever you may be — Chile, America, Belgium, or anywhere in the world. We are back with our weekly Torah message, and I would love to hear from you with any comments or suggestions you might have.

This week, we delve into Parashat Emor, a portion of the Torah that arrives at a very special time in the Jewish calendar. As we approach two significant days, Pesach Sheni and Lag BaOmer, we uncover profound lessons about connection, faith, and the paramount importance of sanctifying Hashem’s name. These teachings are essential for providing true Neshama Nourishment.

The Highest Commandment: Sanctify Hashem’s Name

In this week's Parashah, we encounter a powerful and central command: "You shall not desecrate My name, and I shall be sanctified among the Children of Israel." (Vayikra 22:32). This is a directive of immense spiritual weight. It means that even if faced with the extreme circumstance of being forced to transgress a Torah law publicly, such as Shabbat, one must choose to give up their life rather than desecrate Hashem’s name. The Torah thereby commands us to sanctify Hashem’s name (Kiddush Hashem) in every facet of our lives.

The Chafetz Chaim offers a beautiful commentary here, reminding us that while no one desires to die, our primary mission in life is to live in such a way that we never cause a Chillul Hashem (desecration of Hashem’s name). Instead, we must strive to be living embodiments of Kiddush Hashem. This means that when others observe us, they should be inspired, thinking, "This is what a believing Jew looks like. This is what a life lived with faith and integrity truly is." This inspiration, this consistent demonstration of faith and sanctity in our daily lives, is arguably the greatest mitzvah we can fulfill, a constant source of Neshama Nourishment for ourselves and others.

Pesach Sheni: Never Give Up, There is Always a Second Chance

Pesach Sheni, the "Second Passover," falls one month after the primary Pesach holiday. It commemorates a unique historical event: those individuals who were impure or on a distant journey during the first Pesach and were therefore unable to bring the Korban Pesach (Paschal offering). They approached Moshe Rabbeinu with a heartfelt plea, "Why should we miss out on this opportunity?" At first, Moshe hesitated due to their state of impurity, but Hashem immediately instructed him that they were right—everyone deserves a second chance.

This pivotal event teaches us a profound and enduring lesson, a cornerstone of Neshama Nourishment: life never truly closes the door on us. Even if we feel we have missed our initial chance—whether in our spiritual pursuits, in strengthening relationships, or in personal growth—there is always a second opportunity. If we sincerely call out to Hashem with a genuine desire to improve and correct our path, Hashem unfailingly grants us another chance. It's a testament to Divine compassion and an encouragement for relentless perseverance.

Lag BaOmer: The Triumph of Light After Darkness

Lag BaOmer marks a significant turning point in Jewish history and mysticism. It is the day Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, a colossal sage and the central figure of Jewish mysticism, passed away. On this day, he revealed the hidden light of the Zohar, our foundational text of Kabbalah. This day is celebrated with great joy because it signaled the end of a tragic period when Rabbi Akiva, Rabbi Shimon's teacher, lost 24,000 students to a plague. On Lag BaOmer, the plague ceased, and Torah study blossomed anew through Rabbi Shimon's profound teachings.

Rabbi Shimon himself endured immense hardship, hiding in a cave for 12 years to escape Roman persecution. Upon emerging, his initial reaction was one of spiritual frustration and harsh judgment at the materialism and mundane aspects of the world he re-entered. Hashem, in His infinite wisdom, sent him back to the cave for an additional year because he wasn’t yet ready to re-engage with the world with the necessary compassion and patience. After this crucial extra year, Rabbi Shimon returned with a transformed outlook—he learned to judge others favorably (L'chaf Zechut) and became a great advocate and protector for Am Yisrael (the Jewish people).

This narrative powerfully underscores the importance of giving others the benefit of the doubt and approaching the world with kindness and empathy rather than harsh judgment. Just as Rabbi Shimon transformed his perspective, we too can grow in our understanding and patience toward others, a vital component of true Neshama Nourishment.

An Inspirational Story of Faith and Perseverance

To further illustrate the lessons of faith and perseverance embodied by Pesach Sheni and Lag BaOmer, I want to share a heartwarming story connected to Meron, the burial place of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai. About a year ago, a man in Bnei Brak was suffering from severe kidney failure, preparing for a much-needed transplant. He faced numerous hardships, including costly dental work required before the operation—expenses he simply could not afford.

Despite these overwhelming challenges, the man and his family, demonstrating profound emunah (faith) and perseverance, made a spiritual pilgrimage to Meron before Shavuot. This story reminds us that no matter how difficult or daunting life’s circumstances become, an unwavering faith and the perseverance to seek spiritual strength—just like the lessons from Pesach Sheni and Lag BaOmer—can carry us through. It is a powerful example of finding Neshama Nourishment even in the darkest of times.

Conclusion: Living as a Kiddush Hashem

As we reflect on these profound lessons gleaned from Parashat Emor, Pesach Sheni, and Lag BaOmer, let us internalize that our ultimate purpose is to sanctify Hashem’s name through every aspect of our lives—our actions, our unwavering faith, and crucially, how we treat others. Whether it is by embodying the spirit of Pesach Sheni, never giving up hope and always seeking that second chance; by embracing the message of Lag BaOmer, extending kindness, patience, and favorable judgment to all; or by inspiring those around us with our genuine emunah, we have the power to create a Kiddush Hashem every single day.