Acharey Mot

Technologies of Holiness

Adapted from an analytical d'var by Rabbi Abraham Walfish

Parshat Acharei Mot teaches that the Awesome God who is revealed through cloud and fire is the same Quiet God who dwells deep within each person's soul.

The parasha offers three technologies for integrating the powerful presence into everyday life: (1) interpreting religious ritual psychospiritually; (2) eating consciously; and (3) behaving carefully in interpersonal relationships.

Parshat Acharei Mot begins by describing the ritual with which Aharon purified the sanctuary after the death of his sons. Aharon's sons died as they came too close to the powerful divine Presence. Yet one significant verse in the parasha hints that this public ritual should be seen by each individual as an opportunity for inner purification. This verse has become central to the Yom Kippur liturgy.

The parasha continues by legislating that Israelites can only eat meat if it is slaughtered as part of a zevach shelamim, or well-being ritual offering. Thus an animal cannot be killed thoughtlessly for food, but only in ways that feed the community and acknowledge a debt to God.

The parasha finishes with a list of forbidden sexual relationships interspersed with declarations of God's holiness. It aims to teach that even intimate moments should be suffused with ethical and spiritual awareness.

Return to Reb Laura's "Taste of Torah" list.

Return to "Teachings from Our Rabbis and Friends" list.

---

[ Home ]	[ Asiyah ]	[ Yetzirah ]	[ Briyah ]	[ Atzilut ]	[ Calendar ]
	( Doing )	( Feeling )	( Knowing )	( Being )