Parshas Kedoshim 5757 - '97  Outline # 34  Chodshei Hashanah
Following the Weekly Parsha  by Rabbi Yaakov Bernstein  This,
the central portion of the Torah, begins by stating that we
shall be holy. Holiness has something to do with being separate,
being special. Yet, the same parsha states: "You shall love your
fellow as yourself." We must separate from that which is
detrimental, but not from our fellowman. We must separate from
activities which are unhealthy for the body and soul -- but not
separate from our social responsibilities. We must strive to be
holy, and yet not condemn the "unholy." So often, the heroes of
Israel, the holiest people, were not buried in their books, but
immersed in the problems of their flock, and concerned with the
salvation of humanity.  Hillel said, "Always be involved with
people."  "You shall love your fellow as yourself." Rabbi Akiva
said: "This is the great principle of the Torah."
Unfortunately, we live in a contentious, divisive day and age.
There are so many factions, so