Five ideas before Shabbat, Parashat Acharei Mot-Kedoshim

* Translated by Janine Muller Sherr

1. This Shabbat we will read two parashiot, Acharei Mot and Kedoshim, the sixth and seventh parashiot in Sefer Vayikra.

2. Altogether, there are 79 (!) mitzvot in these parashiot, more than one tenth of the Torah’s 613 mitzvot. These mitzvot cover a wide range of topics: interpersonal and familial relations, our relationship with God, education, economics, business ethics, holidays, and many other matters.

3. In this week’s Torah reading, we also find one of the most famous commandments in the Torah:“You shall love your neighbor as yourself, I am the Lord.” Unfortunately, most people are unfamiliar with the second half of this verse. It is important to remember that we are commanded to love one another because God created each one of us in His image.

4. “You shall be holy” are the opening words of Parashat Kedoshim. Our commentators explain that this parasha entrusts us with the responsibility to sanctify the world with an abundance of mitzvot and good deeds. Holiness can be a part of every aspect of our lives, and I invite you to look for the potential for holiness all around you.

5. Remember: We are continuing with Sefirat HaOmer, the Counting of the Omer. Today is the 25th day of the Omer, the midway point between Pesach and Shavuot.

Shabbat Shalom!