Holy People

In this week’s Parsha we read: “You shall be Holy People.” Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Kotzk tells us that this verse does not mean to emphasize the word “holy”. Rather, the Torah is emphasizing the word ‘holy”. As the Rebbe explains: G-d has many angels in Heaven. He does not need more. What G-d does need is holy “people”. We have something to offer that is unique and valuable. We are human and yet we have the charge to strive for holiness.

We take much for granted. We read about angels and wonder what type of holiness they possess. What we fail to appreciate is that the great holiness demanded by the Torah is the holiness of which we are capable.

The most precious gift we all possess is family affiliation. It is likely that more people have been “turned on” to Judaism by sitting at a family Shabbat dinner, than through any other means. The beauty and holiness of family, when combined with the beauty and holiness of the Sabbath, is overwhelming. We all have this gift, but do we appreciate it? G-d has ample angels but He longs for more holy people.  This is where we all fit into the Divine picture. G-d is waiting for you; do not disappoint Him.