The Lessons of Emor: Kiddush Hashem, Second Chances & Inner Light

Dedicated in loving memory of Miriam bas Eve (Mrs. Miriam Kampf of Antwerp)May her neshama have an aliyah and be a melitz yosher for her beloved family.Also dedicated as a zechus for a refuah shleimah for my dear husband, Shlomo ben Yehudis.

Kedushat HaKohen: Teaching Holiness From Birth

Parshat Emor opens with the special commandments given to the Kohanim—laws of purity, mourning, and sanctity unique to those who serve in the Beis HaMikdash. Rashi famously comments on the double language, “Emor el haKohanim… v’amarta”—"Speak... and say"—that this repetition teaches us: “L’hazhir gedolim al haketanim”—the obligation to teach the younger generation.

A Kohen child is not just "taught" later in life. He must be raised with a constant awareness of his kedusha. From the moment he's born, he’s trained: you are holy, you are different, you have responsibilities.

And this message applies to every Jew. While the Kohanim serve in the Mikdash, each of us carries the title Tzelem Elokim—created in the image of Hashem. Whether you're a mother raising children, a friend offering chizuk, or simply walking down the street in modesty and kindness—you have the ability to bring Kiddush Hashem into the world.

Sanctifying Hashem—Not Just in Death, But in Life

Parshat Emor includes the powerful mitzvah:“V’lo techalelu et Shem Kodshi, v’nikdashti b’toch Bnei Yisrael”“Do not desecrate My Holy Name—and I shall be sanctified among Bnei Yisrael.” (Vayikra 22:32)

Chazal teach us that when one is forced to publicly violate one of the three cardinal sins—idolatry, immorality, or murder—they must give up their life rather than desecrate Hashem's name. Tragically, we saw this throughout our history, especially during the Holocaust.

But the Sfas Emes, whose teachings I was privileged to learn while visiting Gur on Pesach Sheini, adds a deeper layer:

“Greater than dying al Kiddush Hashem is living al Kiddush Hashem.”

When our words reflect emunah, when our behavior models compassion and discipline, when we hold ourselves to higher standards in business, speech, and dress—that is the essence of daily Kiddush Hashem.

Sefirat HaOmer: Refining the Inner Diamond

Parshat Emor shifts from laws of people (Kohanim) to laws of time—Parshat HaMoadot—introducing us to the sanctity of Jewish festivals.

Right after Pesach, we begin Sefirat HaOmer, counting 49 days until Shavuot. We begin with the Omer of barley, a coarse grain considered animal food. By Shavuot, we bring Shtei HaLechem, two fine loaves made of the most refined wheat flour.

This mirrors our inner growth. At the start of the Omer, we may feel spiritually coarse. But each day of counting helps us rise, refine our middot, and rediscover our value. The root of Sefirah is “Sapir”—sapphire. Each of us is a precious gem, and these days are about polishing our neshama to prepare for Matan Torah.

If you're struggling to feel connected during the Omer, remind yourself: this is a journey of transformation. Every step counts.

Pesach Sheini: It’s Never Too Late

During this sacred period, we encounter Pesach Sheini, the “Second Passover,” born from the plea of Jews who missed the first one due to tumah.

Their heartfelt cry:“Lamah nigara?” – “Why should we miss out?”Moshe turned to Hashem, and they were granted a second chance.

The lesson is timeless: Hashem always gives us another opportunity.Did you miss a mitzvah? Did you fall short in your spiritual goals? It's never too late. As long as you’re alive, you can begin again.

Rabbi Akiva: Rebuilding From the Ashes

This idea of second chances is embodied by Rabbi Akiva. After losing 24,000 students during the Omer due to a lack of mutual respect, he could have given up.

But instead, he started again—with just five students—including Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, whose legacy would light up generations.

When others saw devastation, Rabbi Akiva saw potential.When others mourned loss, he rebuilt Torah.

His resilience teaches us: no matter the setback—you can always rebuild.

Lag BaOmer: The Light Within

Lag BaOmer, the 33rd day of the Omer, celebrates the end of the plague and the yahrzeit of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, who brought the secrets of the Zohar into the world.

The letters Lamed-Gimmel spell “Gal”—to reveal. As Dovid HaMelech says:“Gal einai v’abita niflaot miToratecha” – “Open my eyes, and I will see wonders from Your Torah.” (Tehillim 119:18)

Rabbi Shimon revealed Torah’s hidden light. After 13 years in a cave, he emerged not bitter, but brilliant—teaching compassion, depth, and clarity. He taught us to find light within ourselves, and within others.

This is why we sing on Lag BaOmer:“Bar Yochai, nimshachta ashrecha…”“You are anointed—how fortunate are you.”

Like the Kohen Gadol, Rabbi Shimon was "anointed" with inner and outer beauty, transformed by Torah and holiness. The Shemen HaMishcha (anointing oil) symbolizes this transformation—physically and spiritually.

Living the Lessons: Kiddush Hashem, Teshuvah, and Torah Joy

Parshat Emor, Pesach Sheini, and Lag BaOmer each reflect a unique facet of avodat Hashem:

• Emor teaches us the power of daily Kiddush Hashem—living with awareness of our divine image.

• Pesach Sheini whispers: “Try again.” Even if you missed an opportunity, Hashem is waiting.

• Lag BaOmer ignites our soul: Uncover your inner light, deepen your Torah, and rebuild no matter what.

May we all merit to sanctify Hashem in our daily lives, cherish every second chance, and polish our inner sapphire.