DISCOVER THE CHOCHOM (19:2)
The current two portions (Achrei Mos & Kedoshim) are filled with mitzvohs the way a pomegranate is filled with seeds. / Well, maybe not quite. But Kedoshim alone does have more than 50 commandments! In fact, due to the pivotal nature of many of the laws mentioned therein, G-d had Moses disregard normal procedure.
Traditionally, Moses would first begin transmitting what he had learned from G-d only to Aaron. After allowing his brother to digest the information, Aaron’s two sons would join the class. A third rendering was then done in the presence of the seventy elders…and only afterwards, was the rest of the community invited to participate in hearing of G-d’s teachings.
Why was standard protocol thrown out the window in this portion? Due to the importance and centrality of these specific mitzvohs, Heaven commanded, <em> “Dabeir el kol adas Bnei Yisroel -/<em> Speak to the whole congregation of the children of Israel.” Simply understood, there was no time-a-wasting, lest an individual, out of ignorance transgress any of these laws.
What made these rules so much more vital and pressing than others? The verse immediately answers, “Kedoshim tih’yu - you shall be holy. ” Our Sages explains that this holiness is the key to Jewish continuity and distinctiveness. As Rashi comments, this holiness conferred to us by G-d and further developed on our own (via our adherence to these particular mitzvohs) is what separates us from the forbidden. This message, that every single one of us possesses the strength to withstand temptation must be given to “Kol Adas Bnei Yisroel,” /the entire congregation.
Another factor well worth remembering is that the source of our Kedusha-sanctity stems from our Father in Heaven. When a person recognizes that he carries upon himself, albeit in a limited degree, the Holiness of his Father he understands that he must act in a manner befitting a prince. This must be true when we are alone, with our families, at school, or at work.
One last consideration is that Jewish holiness cannot be achieved without regard to the spiritual welfare of all. A classic case in point is Moses upon Mount Sinai while the nation had constructed a Golden Calf. Irrespective of the fact that Moses was not involved, indeed he was not even there to oppose them, nonetheless his status was affected. As the Bible succinctly states, “Descend…from the mountain and from your greatness.” No wonder than, that Torah obligates individuals with collective responsibility. Indeed, one of the commandments in the week’s reading is the mitzvah of tochacha, to offer caring and constructive rebuke.
King Solomon offers us his own sagacious advice on this sensitive issue. “Don’t rebuke a scoffer lest he will hate you, rebuke a wise person (chochom) and he will love you.” From this insight, a fundamental concept in rebuke (and in general, all education) is made clear. When admonishing someone else, you should not merely point out his faults, thereby making the person feel like a loser. Also emphasize the person’s positive qualities, making him feel wise and special. Then, King Solomon assures us, he will not only accept the rebuke, he will love you.
The Chofetz Chaim was once staying at an inn when a very coarse looking man entered and pounded on the table demanding roast duck and liquor. When the food arrived, he grabbed it and, without making a blessing, began wolfing it down, all the while directing lewd comments toward the waitress.
The Chofetz Chaim was shocked by the spectacle, and wished to censure the ill-mannered customer. Afraid of what the man might do to the Chofetz Chaim, the innkeeper rushed over to the Rabbi. <em> “Please leave him be. He never learned any other way. At the age of seven he was drafted into the Czar’s army, trained in Siberia, and served for twenty five years. He never learned a word of Torah and knows no better.”
A smile spread over the Rabbi’s face. Approaching the ex-soldier, he greeted him with a warm voice, “Shalom Aleichem. Is what I’ve heard about you true? That you weren’t able to learn a word of Torah; that they tried to pry you away from the religion of your fathers, and yet you remained a Jew and wouldn’t convert?! Your place in the world to come will be amongst our most righteous! You passed an incredibly difficult and lengthy test!” </em>
Never before, had such compassionate words been spoken to the coarse man. Tears filled his eyes. He broke out into a cry, and kissed the Chofetz Chaim. The Rabbi continued. “If a person who has suffered so much for G-d would add some mitzvahs to his life, then spiritually he would be the ‘wealthiest’ in the world!”
This man remained in close contact with his newfound mentor, until he completely changed his lifestyle. As Solomon said, “In your rebuke discover the chochom and he will love you.” /
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