“Be holy, for I am holy.” This divine command, found in Leviticus 19:2, resonates deeply within the heart of Torah and echoes throughout the teachings of the Brit Chadasha (New Testament). Holiness, or kedushah in Hebrew, is not merely about righteous living but about being set apart—distinct from the world yet positioned to impact it. As followers of Yeshua, we are called to live lives that reflect the holiness of our Creator while engaging with the world in a way that draws others to Him.
The Call to Holiness: A Life Set Apart
The Torah portion Acharei Mot (After the Death) begins in Leviticus 16 and recounts the tragic death of Aaron’s sons, Nadav and Avihu, who offered “strange fire” before Adonai. Their deaths serve as a sobering reminder of the seriousness of approaching God on His terms, not ours. Following their deaths, Adonai commands Aaron and his sons to avoid consuming wine or strong drink when serving in the Tabernacle (Leviticus 10:9). This instruction underscores the importance of being sober-minded and fully governed by the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) when serving the Lord.
The Apostle Paul echoes this principle in Ephesians 5:18: “Do not be drunk with wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.” Holiness requires that we be free from anything that might cloud our judgment or hinder our ability to discern the will of God. It is about living a life fully surrendered to Him, where the Spirit leads and not the desires of the flesh.
A Balanced Separation
In Luke 5, Yeshua provides a practical example of what it means to live a life of holiness while engaging with the world. As He teaches the crowds by the Sea of Galilee, He steps into Simon Peter’s boat and asks him to push out a little from the shore. This act of separating Himself from the crowd allowed Yeshua to effectively teach the multitude while maintaining a clear distinction.
This imagery beautifully illustrates the balance required in our walk as believers. We are called to be in the world but not of it (John 17:15-16). If we are too close to the world—indistinguishable in our behavior, priorities, and values—we lose our ability to reflect the holiness of God. Yet, if we separate ourselves too far, we risk becoming irrelevant and unable to reach those who need the message of salvation.
Yeshua’s example teaches us to maintain the right distance: close enough to engage but far enough to remain distinct. As Peter and the other disciples learned that day, this balance is key to becoming “fishers of men.”
The Commandments of Holiness
The Torah portion Acharei Mot-Kedoshim (After the Death-Holy Ones) provides practical instructions on how to live a holy life. Leviticus 19 contains 70 commandments that teach us how to love Adonai and love our neighbors. These mitzvot (commandments) guide us in our relationships with others and demonstrate what it means to live as a set-apart people.
One of the key themes in this portion is the repeated declaration: “I am the Lord your God.” This phrase appears ten times in Leviticus 19, emphasizing Adonai’s covenant relationship with His people. It reminds us that our holiness is rooted in His character. Just as He is set apart, we are called to reflect His holiness in every aspect of our lives.
Holiness is not about legalism or ritualistic behavior; it is about aligning our lives with God’s will and reflecting His nature. For example, Leviticus 19:4 warns against turning to idols or creating molten gods. In Hebrew, the word for idols, elilim, is a term of mockery, referring to powerless, insignificant “little gods.” This serves as a reminder that anything we prioritize above Adonai—whether possessions, careers, or even relationships—can become an idol. True holiness requires that we remove these “little gods” from our lives and place our trust in the one true God.
The Three Categories of Sin
Leviticus 16 introduces the concept of the scapegoat (Azazel), which carries away the sins of Israel into the wilderness. This act symbolizes the removal of three distinct categories of sin:
- Iniquities (avon) – Actions that cause guilt. These are sins that weigh heavily on our conscience and separate us from God.
- Transgressions (pesha) – Willful disobedience. These are deliberate acts of rebellion against God’s commandments.
- Sins (chattat) – Unintentional errors. These are mistakes made in ignorance or weakness, where we miss the mark.
Each of these categories requires a different response. While sacrifices in the Torah provided atonement for certain sins, there is no sacrifice for willful transgression. Repentance (teshuvah) is the only way to address deliberate sin. Through Yeshua, our ultimate Kohen Gadol (High Priest), we have the assurance of forgiveness and the power to overcome sin.
Living a Life of Holiness
Holiness is not merely about avoiding sin; it is about actively pursuing a lifestyle that honors God. Peter reminds us in 1 Peter 1:15-16: “But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’” This call to holiness requires intentionality and discipline.
Leviticus 19:18 sums up the heart of holiness: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Holiness is demonstrated in how we treat others—with kindness, integrity, and respect. It is seen in our willingness to forgive, to speak truth in love, and to serve selflessly. It is about reflecting the character of Yeshua in our daily interactions.
The Right Distance
As we journey through the Omer (the counting of days between Pesach and Shavuot), we are reminded of our need to die to self and live for Messiah. The Apostle Paul writes in Galatians 2:20: “I have been crucified with Messiah, and I no longer live, but Messiah lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”
This daily dying to self allows us to live in resurrection power—a life set apart for God’s purposes. Like Yeshua in the boat, we must find the right distance from the world: far enough to remain distinct but close enough to make an impact. When we live this way, we reflect the holiness of our Creator and draw others to Him.
Conclusion
Holiness is not a destination but a journey. It is a daily commitment to live set apart for Adonai while engaging the world with His love and truth. As we reflect on the lessons of Acharei Mot-Kedoshim, may we strive to live lives that honor our covenant relationship with the Lord. Let us remove the “little gods” from our lives, repent of our sins, and walk in the holiness to which we are called. In doing so, we will fulfill our purpose as a light to the nations and bring glory to the name of Yeshua, our Messiah.
Shalom and blessings as you continue your journey of holiness!
The video discusses the Torah portion “Acharei Mot,” emphasizing holiness through separation, repentance, and avoiding idolatry while living a life that pleases God. Watch the video:
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