Prepared by Rabbi Stephen Texon
This week's Torah portion of Emor in Leviticus is similar in content with the portion of Pinchas in the book of Numbers regarding the detailed enumeration of all of the Jewish Festivals of the year including the High Holidays and Shabbat.
Shabbat stands alone and is unique in it's weekly recurrence, and it's strict observance. In last week's portion of Kedoshim it's linkage to other Mitzvot makes clear it's extreme importance and that it's violation is particularly "disturbing" to G-d because we are commanded to rest from our labors as did G-d on the 7th day, and in so doing we are "imitating" G-d. In that same portion we are commanded to "imitate" G-d in the larger sense of being Holy as He is Holy, a Holy people/ nation. We are literally "called" by the Almighty to pause, reflect on the meaning and purpose of life, and be refreshed from the stress of our daily lives.
These days are referred to in the Torah as "Mikraei Kodesh" (Callings of Holiness, or Holy Convocations). The portion also describes in extensive detail the duties of the Priests, and particularly the responsibilities and restrictions of the High Priest who is placed on the highest level of Holiness.
Every facet of his life is under scrutiny and the list is, to say the least, awesome. The priests were also the physicians and spiritual counselors to the Israelites throughout their wanderings.
After a brief mentioning of the humanity in the treatment of young animals prepared for sacrifice, the Torah touches upon the Mitzvah of KIDDUSH HASHEM (the sanctification of G-d's name). This means not only in life but also in death. We recall those Holy and pure souls who were forced to surrender their precious lives in the name of "Kiddush Hashem". The Torah tells us that when pressed against the wall or in times G-d forbid of crisis, we must be prepared to sacrifice our own lives "Al Kiddush Hashem" rather than transgress any CARDINAL sin.
The portion concludes with the promise of hope and the eternity of G-d symbolized by the daily kindling of the "Ner Tamid" (the Eternal Light) before the Holy Ark, as a perpetual reminder of the LIVING G-d who we must keep alive and burning in our hearts and minds forever!!
Shabbat Shalom!
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