Leviticus 19:1–20,27; Haftarah: Eze 20:2-20, 22:1-19
by Michael Schneider, israel today, Jerusalem
Commentary:
Our weekly Torah portion continues with additional rules and guidelines for the children of Israel, this week, how to live Holy and pure lives before the LORD. In chapter 19, God addresses treatment of people like the poor or “You shall not curse a deaf man, nor place a stumbling block before the blind” (19:14). What can be concluded is given to us in the following verse with the second greatest commandment, which was reiterated by Yeshua, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (19:18).
The very wise Jewish scholar, Hillel once said, “Do not do unto others what you do not want others to do unto you. This is the entire Torah. Everything else in the Torah is merely commentary on this mitzvah.”
My advice to you is read through the commandments on holiness and compare yourself to them! “So we will be holy like He is!” (20:7-8 and 26) He wants us to be set apart, departed and “called out” from the world (20:24). Yes, holiness is separation! Because only through holiness can we inherit the Promised Land.
May the LORD keep us “separated,” pure and holy!
