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By Rabbi Aron Tendler | Series: | Level:

Note: The Shabbos Torah Reading is divided into 7 sections. Each section is called an Aliya [literally: Go up] since for each Aliya, one person “goes up” to make a bracha [blessing] on the Torah Reading.


1st Aliya: The beginning of Kedoshim states that, holiness is realized through keeping Shabbos, being in awe of one’s father and mother, and the prohibition against idol worship. Laws of charity, honesty, and the paying of wages on time are also stated.

2nd and 3rd Aliyot: Showing deference in the administration of justice is forbidden. We have the responsibility to “properly reprimand” each other. The prohibition against wearing any mixture of wool and linen, cutting sideburns (Payot), tattooing, premarital sex, and the use of mediums or the occult are stated.

4th and 5th Aliyot: Proper and equal treatment for the Ger-convert, honesty in business, and the prohibition against worshipping the Molech are stated.

5th, 6th, and 7th Aliyot:remainder of Kedoshim states the specific punishments that Bait Din would administer for the fifteen prohibited sexual relationships listed at the end of Acharei Mos.

The very end of Kedoshim (20: 22-26) clearly explains the concept of holiness as the means for being separate from the other nations. Three basic formats of Kedusha-holiness exist: time, place, and person. Acharei Mos began by presenting the ultimate integration of the three in the person of the Kohain Gadol entering the Holy of Holies on Yom Kippur. The end of Kedoshim states that Eretz Yisroel (place), the Bnai Yisroel (person), and time in general are intended to reflect the integration of G-dliness into the daily lives of individuals and nations. To the extent that we realize our mission as the “Kingdom of Priests and a Holy Nation” will be the degree to which we retain the right to dwell in the Land of Israel.