Parashat Emor
Does It Really
Matter How I Drive?
We are commanded
to always act in ways that bring honor and sanctity to God’s name.
By Elliot Forchheimer
The following article is reprinted with permission from
the UJA-Federation of New York.
This week's parashah begins with a detailed description of
the priestly code of holiness, and concludes with instructions regarding the
cycle of holidays. Bridging these two sections is a verse that describes two of
Judaism's key mitzvot (commandments): "… You shall not profane my
holy name, that I may be sanctified in the midst of the Israelite people…"
(Leviticus 22:32).
As Jews, we're obligated to sanctify God by refraining from Hillul
HaShem, desecrating God's name, as well as by engaging in Kiddush HaShem,
sanctifying God's name. How can mortal men and women undertake the awesome task
of sanctifying God? How can they truly bring honor to the Creator?
Sanctifying, and not desecrating, God's name can be done in
many ways. We're taught not to act in a way that would hurt God's reputation in
the world. During the talmudic period, the rabbis used this verse as a moral
challenge to the people of Israel. They taught that any behavior that brings
public disgrace on Jews and Judaism likewise brings disgrace to God, and thus
is considered Hillul HaShem.
An example from contemporary life: On many occasions, I've
had the good fortune of driving through Westchester County with my rabbi, and
have noticed that he is a fairly cautious and courteous driver. Being from New
York City, I found this somewhat unusual, and once asked him why he drives so
cautiously. He replied that should he race a yellow light while wearing a kippah
(skullcap), or forget to signal a lane change, he wouldn't be making a
statement about himself only as a driver, but also as a Jew and, for some,
about all Jews. In this way, he would bring dishonor to God and to the Jewish
people, thereby committing an act of Hillul HaShem. That's why he always tries
to drive cautiously and courteously.
At the same time, any action that we take that enhances the
dignity of Jews, Judaism, and God constitutes a Kiddush HaShem and is regarded
as meritorious.
Maimonides, in his Mishneh Torah, teaches:
If he speaks kindly to his fellow man, showing himself
sociable and amiable with a welcome for everyone, taking insult but not giving
it, respecting them, even those who make light of him...such a man has
sanctified the name of God.
As Jews, we're encouraged to act, each and every day, in a
moral and ethical way, so as to win respect from all people and so bring honor
to God's name. Kiddush HaShem can be done in such "small" but
significant ways as giving up one's seat on a bus, train, or subway to an older
person. More generally, it requires us to speak, to work and to play in a way
that reflects well on God. It requires us to do our share to contribute to Tikkun
Olam, the repair of the world. To put it more simply, the mandate of
Kiddush HaShem requires us to try always to "do the right thing."
May this week's parashah inspire us all to help make the
world a better place, and as a result, to honor God and our tradition.
Elliot Forchheimer currently serves as director of
Westchester Program Services for UJA-Federation of New York. He will soon become director of the
organization’s “Synagogues for the Future” initiative, which is being
undertaken in collaboration with Synagogue 2000.
