Parshat Acharei-Mot Kedoshim

Dear STOCS Friend:

This week, we have the special privilege of reading a double portion: Acharei Mot–K’doshim. The title of Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik’s profound work, Kol Dodi Dofek—“The Voice of My Beloved Knocks”—offers a meaningful look through which to approach these parshiot.

When I spend time with my grandchildren, they enjoy telling "Knock, knock—who's there?" jokes. But this week, it feels as though it is not just a game. It is as if Hashem Himself is knocking at our door.

If that were truly the case—if Hashem were knocking—how would we respond? Hashem simply says:קְדֹשִׁים תִּהְיוּ כִּי קָדוֹשׁ אֲנִי You shall be holy because I am Holy. What does that really mean? Do we engage in holy acts, speak holy words, observe the holy commandments?

The assumption people make is that holiness may only be achieved via the shul or Torah rituals. Rabbi Ron Jawary writes:  “…holiness is found not only in the synagogue and rituals, but in our business dealings, in our social relationships, and in those relationships which we tend to take for granted, such as our parents, our spouses. We need to take the lessons of the Torah and apply them to every aspect of our daily lives. That is how we attain genuine holiness.”

To emphasize this idea, let me once again turn to the words of Rabbi Soloveitchik: “Holiness is created by the human being, by flesh and blood.” In other words, it is up to us to bring Hashem’s holiness into the world. We do this not through abstract thought alone, but through action—by incorporating  the principles of the Torah into our daily lives, and by living with purpose and meaning grounded in those Divine values.

Holiness is within our reach—it is a form of potential energy, waiting to be awakened within us. When we act, when we live with intention and align our lives with Torah values, that potential transforms into kinetic energy. It propels us forward, lifting us to ever greater levels of Kedusha—holiness in motion.

When that knock comes to our door, it will be our acts of holiness that answer—speaking on our behalf, louder than words ever could.

Good Shabbas to all!

Rabbi Evan Shore