Parashat Kedoshim, the second of this week’s double Torah portion, begins with these words, “You shall be holy, for I, ADONAI your God am holy.” (Leviticus 20:2) What does it mean to holy? The parasha doesn’t say, but it does give some examples of how one can be holy: by honoring parents, worshipping God, not reaping all crops but leaving some for the poor, not stealing, being an honest witness, paying a worker fair wages on time, not insulting anyone – even a deaf person. To be holy, that is Godlike, occurs when we treat one another decently, fairly, with respect, and avoid exploitation. The way we treat each other paves the way for our connection to God.

~Rabbi Dean