Achrei Mot and Kedoshim together with some insight into the Omer traits we mention

BS"D

Achrei Mot and Kedoshim

Achrei Mot

Leviticus Ch 15 V 1

1. And the L-rd spoke to Moses after the death of Aaron's two sons, when they drew near before the L-rd, and they died

Imagine Aharon has just lost his two sons for not obeying or following protocol, twice it is mentioned that the event occurred before Hashem. The Midrash indicates that their sin is mentioned explicitly to inform us the importance of the protocol and instructions; it is also a double expression that indicated Hashem too mourned for the loss. We often get angry not realising the death of the righteous in a manner of speaking causes as much if not more grief and suffering to Hashem than for us, this is difficult to understand because we do not have divine insight into the facts at play, we think Hashem should of just prevented an event from occurring but life does not work that way, at least not always.

He who bestows within us a feeling of mercy should he not have this quality himself, only in unlimited bounty. This past sedra was a sign to all living for all time, there are high expectations from the human being, we have the ability to worship and understand, we also chas va shalom can mess up - big time. A theme ringing strong in this past Parsha is to realise the higher the potential the higher the expectations.

The Kohen Gadol is allowed to approach the holy of holies but once a year, he prepares himself 7 days, he purifies himself, he fasts and bathes and wears special clothes he goes through two curtains to perform the service, alone - in this short time (maybe 12 minutes) he cannot think an impure thought or do an incorrect act – only to focus on the fact that I stand before the Cause of Causes, the Holy One Blessed is He, he cannot fail in this lest he die. In fact we know he went into the holy of holies with a rope tied around his feet as no one else was allowed to enter. If he died (Chas ve Shalom) his body was pulled out by the rope. After the service he would leave the holy of holies and pray for the nation.

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8. And Aaron shall place lots upon the two he goats: one lot "For the L-rd," and the other lot, "For Azazel."

Two Goats exactly alike were used - one for Azazel (Representing our Evil inclination and sins to be banished into the wilderness, the other for a sin offering for the nation's atonement). If the Kohen Gadol was successful after the service and the crimson rope turned white – he was a hero, imagine it, he only returned to his place not far from the Bais Ha Mikdash at midnight due to the people who gathered round to congratulate him, to thank him that his prayer as our representative was successful - we had been forgiven. The white thread was there evidence of G-d's forgiveness - oh if only we had such a sign today! All our fasting and affliction had worked. The service was high risk, only the Kohen Gadol would be allowed in, he had to prepare physically and mentally – but he bore responsibility for the nation!

KEDOSHIM - The do's and don'ts Leviticus Ch 17

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4. You shall fulfil My ordinances and observe My statutes, to follow them. I am the L-rd, your G-d.

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24. You shall not defile yourselves by any of these things, for the nations, whom I am sending away from before you, have defiled themselves with all these things.

The parsha discusses forbidden physical relationships, it moves to highlight offerings to Hashem should be eaten in the correct time and place. We need to give honour to Hashem., avoid idolatory, Caring for the poor and stranger. No stealing, being false, Paying your workers on time. We are not allowed to curse the deaf or place stumbling blocks in front of the blind (Rashi indicates this is both literal and implies on a figurative level one should not knowingly mislead another when they do not have all the facts at hand, for your own benefit or their potential detriment!) In judgement we are not allowed to show favour or status to the powerful or pity the destitute we need to remain objective. We should not tale bear or stand by idle when blood is being spilled. We need to Act for the sake of heaven and stop injustice. Don’t bear grudges or hate in your heart. Unity is so important.

Ch19 v 2. Speak to the entire congregation of the children of Israel, and say to them, You shall be holy, for I, the L-rd, your G-d, am holy.

Ch 19

3. Every man shall fear his mother and his father, and you shall observe My Sabbaths. I am the L-rd, your God.

Rashi states our inclination is to fear our Father more than our Mothers so it states Mother first before father, the verse also teaches us if your parents refuse to allow you to keep the Sabbath you need not listen as it states, you shall observe my Sabbaths - I am the ultimate Father in heaven who created everything and your parents too are obligated in honouring me!

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19. You shall observe My statutes: You shall not crossbreed your livestock with different species. You shall not sow your field with a mixture of seeds, and a garment which has a mixture of shaatnez shall not come upon you.

Shaatnez is a mixture of Linen (Plant growth extract) with Wool (Animal growth extract)!

Ch 19 V 23

When you come to the Land and you plant any food tree, you shall surely block its fruit [from use]; it shall be blocked from you [from use] for three years, not to be eaten

V24

And in the fourth year, all its fruit shall be holy, a praise to the L-rd.

V25

And in the fifth year, you may eat its fruit; [do this, in order] to increase its produce for you. I am the L-rd, your G-d

What is also fascinating is the request not to eat from a tree's fruit for three years, and a promise that if we exercise patience and restraint we will yield much produce from this fruit tree.

The Midrash compares the tree to a child who after 3 years in the 4^th year he begins to interact in a more meaningful way. To achieve yields for ones efforts takes time and patience but with restraint and care we will be able to eventually enjoy the fruit of our hands – through the blessing of Hashem, but no quick fixes, or immediate gratification - that is not the holy way.

Jews are forbidden to eat blood or over blood (morning prayer is required prior to eating food), We should not round off our beards (cut with a razor at the roots). Harming the flesh of the body for the dead or getting permanent Tattoos is forbidden. (The body is a sacred temple that houses a holy soul). We need to instil modesty in our daughters. We need to keep the Sabbaths. We are not allowed to consult the dead, mediums or fortune tellers but rather to place our trust in Hashem. We need to honour the wise and the elderly -this is because G-d told us too. Care and love for the stranger and convert as one would love oneself. We are not allowed to cheat others.

The Parsha sets limits to our actions both positive and negative, the non-adherence we lower ourselves, but what is required to draw closer to Hashem via positive actions and treatment of those around us. To be in the Torah's covenant requires commitment faith and loyalty, between us and G-d and between us and our fellow human beings. The Laws bring home divine truth and justice.

Leviticus Ch 19 ends

37. You shall observe all My statutes and all My ordinances, and fulfil them. I am the L-rd.
In chapter 20

We are taught to avoid the practices of the wicked nations used to come close to their "gods" -the nations who embraced child or human sacrifice to molech, passing children through fire. These practices are an abomination to Hashem. As is pure self-satisfaction, adultery, forbidden sexual relationships are an abomination, Jews believe that closeness to ones spouse and loved one is very important, but in the proper way and time in a holy way. Everything should be done with respect and gratitude especially to those who gave us life - our parents and G-d Almighty.

25. And you shall distinguish between clean animals and unclean ones, and between unclean birds and clean ones; thus you shall not make yourselves disgusting through [unclean] animals and birds and any [creature] which crawls on the earth, that I have distinguished for you to render unclean.

26. And you shall be holy to Me, for I, the L-rd, am holy, and I have distinguished you from the peoples, to be Mine.

http://ohr.edu/this_week/torah_weekly/5409

G-d instructs the kohanim to exercise extreme care when they enter the Mishkan. On Yom Kippur, the Kohen Gadol is to approach the holiest part of the Mishkan after special preparations and wearing special clothing. He brings offerings unique to Yom Kippur, including two identical goats that are designated by lottery. One is "for G-d" and is offered in the Temple, while the other is "for Azazel" in the desert. The Torah states the individual's obligations on Yom Kippur: On the 10th day of the seventh month, one must afflict oneself. We abstain from eating and drinking, anointing, wearing leather footwear, washing, and marital relations.

Consumption of blood is prohibited. The blood of slaughtered birds and undomesticated beasts must be covered. The people are warned against engaging in the wicked practices that were common in Egypt. Incest is defined and prohibited. Marital relations are forbidden during a woman's monthly cycle. Homosexuality, bestiality and child sacrifice are prohibited.

Kedoshim

The nation is enjoined to be holy. Many prohibitions and positive commandments are taught:

Prohibitions: Idolatry; eating offerings after their time-limit; theft and robbery; denial of theft; false oaths; retention of someone's property; delaying payment to an employee; hating or cursing a fellow Jew (especially one's parents); gossip; placing physical and spiritual stumbling blocks; perversion of justice; inaction when others are in danger; embarrassing; revenge; bearing a grudge; cross-breeding; wearing a garment of wool and linen; harvesting a tree during its first three years; gluttony and intoxication; witchcraft; shaving the beard and sideburns; tattooing.

Positive: Awe for parents and respect for the elderly; leaving part of the harvest for the poor; loving others (especially a convert); eating in Jerusalem the fruits from a tree's 4th year; awe for the Temple; respect for Torah scholars, the blind and the deaf.

http://ohr.edu/4256

Insight

“You shall not hate your brother in your heart.” (19:17)

One of the most difficult emotions to deal with is resentment.

Resentment can come from many different sources. It can result from someone genuinely wronging us. Or we may feel wronged by someone even though an objective third party would say that we were being over-sensitive. Resentment can come from plain old jealousy — someone who is brighter than us, or seems to have an easier life, or is more successful. Or resentment can come for no good reason at all. It may result from the way that someone speaks or dresses or expresses himself. As they say in the North of England “It’s the way he hangs his face.”

The spiritual masters teach that this is the worst kind of hatred. In Hebrew it is called Sinat Chinam, literally Free Hate. Hate that has comes from no injustice real or perceived — just the way someone is.

“You shall not hate your brother in your heart.”

In this week’s Parsha, the Torah categorically prohibits that gnawing worm called resentment.

Fine.

The Torah says that we mustn’t feel resentment. But isn’t that more easily said than done? How are we supposed to put this into action?

First of all, we cannot work on our feelings until we understand them. This requires objectivity and the help of someone who is impartial to help us objectivize our emotions. Only when we can delineate our feelings will we have a chance of changing them.

If this analysis shows that we have been genuinely wronged, the proper mode of conduct will depend on the circumstances. It may involve a direct confrontation, or a rebuke from a third party, or legal recourse in Bet Din. When we act to deal positively with our resentment in one of these ways, the poison of the resentment is very often vitiated or extinguished.

However, there may be circumstances where a genuine grievance has no outside recourse, and we may just have to forgive and forget. In this last scenario (and in the others too) we should remember that it is G-d who runs the world and we should analyze why G-d has put us in our present situation.

As far as jealousy is concerned, we should remember that each of us is on our own separate “monorail” in life. The fact that someone else has something that I don’t have, be it brains or money or looks, in no way means that they are taking away from me. The root of jealousy is a lack of trust in G-d’s Providence. Each of us is born with unique capabilities with which to fulfil our potential in this world. If G-d hasn’t given me something, it’s because I don’t need it to complete my mission on this earth.

And as far as Sinat Chinam is concerned, we should remind ourselves that we are all created in G-d’s image. If there is something that I hate about my fellow for no objective reason whatever — just because it’s the ‘way he hangs his face’ — it means that I am despising the image of G-d Himself.

However, if we look carefully with a positive eye at those whom we resent and try to divorce our egos from our emotions, we might begin to see all kinds of positive traits that they possess.

It all depends on our I-sight.

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WHAT ARE THOSE ATTRIBUTES WE MENTION WHEN COUNTING THE OMER?

We are fast approaching Lag Ba Omer the time where the deeper meaning of Torah was revealed as never before, we celebrate the Yortzeit of the great kabblist and mystic Shimon Bar Yorchai the author of the Zohar, a time of bonfires (light) and unity, much joy comes at this time. It is a period where the plague against the Students of Rabbi Akiva stopped, 24000 of the greatest in Torah knowledge, these students had died through a plague, why because they did not have enough respect for each other’s learning– despite their great learning they missed the deep message we are all part of creation we need to Love and respect our friends as our self, and to build each other for the common and Divine good - for them maybe it was more about the I not the us!

I want to share some insight into the traits we are supposed to be working on as we count up to Shavuot, I heard these from Rabbi Tabback this Shabbat so I hope I give it over succinctly and accurately, during the Omer we count and mention a trait and a sub trait each day, we are meant to work on these traits:

The rabbi mentioned each trait is not in and of itself good or bad it depends on how we use these traits and refine ourselves to use them in the service of Hashem:

Chessed or Kindness – Kindness is always good right? Wrong! We often hear if you want a relationship to work just give and give, a poor man at the side of the street appeals for money do you hand him millions on the spot this might be seen as kindness, but how would he use it, another example is in intimate and forbidden relationships, the people involved might also see their acts and call it kindness but are these actions good –certainly not. Kindness may very well lead to resentment when it is one sided, and harm and destruction when misguided.

Gevurah– Strength – Strength when used to turn away everyone or to crush the weak is a terrible trait; however we need strength in life to temper kindness to set boundaries. Without boundaries you may become a person’s doormat, a person with a lot of strength has the challenge of not abusing his power to hurt another.

When we are dealing with our fellow human beings and in our relationships we need to get the balance right:

Tiferet or beauty – Beauty is the balance between being kind, loving and merciful but always measured and within acceptable boundaries by using our strength and self-control.

Once we begin to understand the dynamic of the importance of Tifferet these traits move to a deeper level where a closer relationship with the other is developed and revealed:

Netzach– Triumphant This is the trait of wanting to  be the best or wanting to win, it can be used to drive a person but if not done for the sake of Heaven or correctly it may lead to negating another, inhibiting the other from realising their self through total domination of the one over the other, if you think of one’s spouse, if one party totally dominates another the person wins but the one giving in all the time cannot realise their potential that they need to become. When a person is negated this is like death, there is nothing worse than a person losing their self to another through domination.

Hod– Splendour – The rabbi spoke of this Quality in terms of a person allowing themselves to be submissive, the key here is allowed - Hashem hides his presence in this world, in a way that allows us growth. Despite having the capability to dominate, he hides this in doing so allows another space to grow, and find themselves. This ensures all actualise their greatest potential; this is what Hashem Almighty allows us to do!

Yissod –Foundation A balance between Netzach and Hod, leads to a foundation the perfect balance in a relationship, if we reach this level we reach a place and a time where we become worthy of receiving the Torah. We care and love, but within the boundaries allowed, we are who we are and we are in balance, we then come closer and build our relationship with drive and zest but always allowing each other the space to grow with our unique capabilities to each realise our greatest potential and the greatest potential for mutual fulfilment, and agreement with respect and love.

This requires work may we all be full of kindness and mercy but for the sake of building and not destroying, may we work hard and strive hard for what we need to achieve but doing so in a way that respects and builds those close to us the others we deal with along the way and with this build the foundation on which the divine revelation and Malchus Kingship can finally be revelaed and manifest in this world.

A good week to all!

G-d Bless.

Michael