Acharey Mot and Kedoshim
Posted by Roots of Faith on 04 May 2009 at 12:00 am
Tagged as: ROF Shabbat Services, ROF Sunday Shul, Roots of Faith
This week’s lesson is on two Torah readings; Acharey Mot (after death) and Kedoshim (holy / holiness). The readings cover Leviticus 16-20. One of the key points from this week’s study is the idea of Biblical holiness. While much of our culture defines holiness according to various non-Hebraic and “other worldly” views, the Hebrew Bible clearly defines it as something which is achievable here and now…on earth. Not only is it achievable, it is an expectation and a command!
The question then becomes, how can we who are made of clay attain what the Bible expects? How can we be “holy” and avoid unholy things? In this week’s lesson, Ross reminds his listeners that the Torah – which defines holiness, is Not in heaven, is Not too difficult nor beyond the sea. One need not wait for someone to bring it to them, it is very near, in their mouth and heart to DO IT. (Deuteronomy 30:11-14)
This lesson begins by describing a very strange ceremony involving two goats. Leviticus 16 covers the holy day known as Yom Kippur – the Day of “atonement” or covering. This day is called a shabbat shabbaton. It is an annual event that occurs on the 10th day of the 7th Biblical month. It is a day on which we are to “degrade ourselves”. Some translations render the Hebrew “afflict the soul”.
The lesson also deals with sanctity of life and how we are to respect all life. We are instructed that the shedding of blood should not be taken lightly. Violations of the command to respect life (the blood) will lead to being “cut off”.
Chapter 18 of Leviticus is a transition in the book. It contains a shift from ritual to ethical and moral teaching. While sacrifice still has a place in the text, the transition is evident in the text. We are told that the one who “does” the commands will live by them and we also learn that obedience brings life!
Sexual purity is explained in this week’s lesson. The interesting thing about the Torah is that it is so practical and enters into every aspect of our existence.
Leviticus 19 is perhaps one of the greatest chapters in the Bible. In variant form almost all of the 10 words (10 commandments) appear in this chapter. Here are a few examples of holiness that show up in Leviticus 19:
No idols
Save the corners of the field for the poor and the stranger
No theft
No lies
Do not act falsely against others
Do not swear falsely by the name of God
Do not exploit your neighbor
Do not rob
Pay employees on time
Do not curse the deaf
Do not trip the blind
Do not favor the poor of the great thus causing injustice
Do not slander
Offer assistance when your neighbor’s blood is shed
Do not hate your brother in your heart
Do not take revenge
Do not hold a grudge
Do not consume blood
Do not practice divination
Do not trim the edges of the head
Do not get tattoos
Respect elders
This lesson also contains the “golden rule”. Ross covers views of this incredible concept of holiness from rabbinic writings as well as the Christian writings:
Matthew 7:12-14; 22:34-40; Luke 10:25-28; Romans 13:8-10; Galatians 5:14
A few key points in this week’s lesson are that one must love one’s self as well as love their neighbor. One must have a Biblical understanding of who is our neighbor.
Man is made in the image of God, therefore we are to show forth brotherly love.
