Holy: How?

How do we understand the idea of holiness?  What does it mean when we say, “Be holy” (Vayikra 19:2) or “That is so holy!”

Some of the more common answers to this question are that holy refers to being special or important or sublime or elevated.  Holiness means to refrain and separate from the physical and embrace the spiritual.  Holiness means to live with higher purpose.

There are “holy” activities like observing the mitzvot.  There are also “holy” days which are special and allow us to connect more powerfully to God.  Then there are “holy” objects, items which are sacred and demand respect and reverence.

All valid interpretations of holiness.

Rabbi Moshe Feinstein, one of the leading rabbis of the 20th century, notes that the command to be holy is followed by some very simple and logical precepts like honoring one’s parents, not stealing, and dealing justly.  It would seem that more difficult and complicated religious observances lead to holiness and not these!  How do these mitzvot relate to being holy?

Rabbi Feinstein answers that we see that holiness can be achieved even when one engages in everyday, social affairs.  One is not only holy on Shabbat or holidays or when keeping kosher; one is holy when acting properly towards others and doing the right thing.  Holiness is an all-consuming state.  If we watch ourselves with regard to the small things, then we can be sure that we will carry this over to the big things as well.

Where is holiness?  Everywhere.

How can we be holy?  Live a purposeful Jewish life.  

That’s one way to start.