Aharei-Kedoshim

In the middle of our two Parshiot we have a list of forbidden sexual liaisons, which also form the reading for the afternoon of Yom Kippur. At first glance this section seems one of the easiest in the Torah to comprehend but a closer look reveals a more nuanced picture. In this list we see acts that most people would see as obviously abhorrent such as incest and bestiality. We have various liaisons that the reason for their prohibition is not readily apparent, such as marrying two sisters or that are even lifted under certain circumstances, such as marrying your brother’s wife. We also find prohibitions, like that against homosexuality, that are highly contentious in the modern world. While, of course, the basic reason for these laws is, as stated in the Torah, to make us holy, we can also seek to understand them. Is there thus an underlying theme to these prohibitions that can help us make sense of this passage? A clue may come in the most puzzling verse in this section, that prohibiting Molech worship. In the midst of all the sexual misdemeanours we suddenly have a reference to the prohibition of child sacrifice. What is the connection between the two and what light can it shine on the underlying rationale for the whole passage? To sacrifice your child to an idol is to totally use your power over him for your own selfish purposes. It takes one of the most intimate human relationships, that of a parent with their child, and perverts it in order to enhance the prosperity or political power of the parent. It thus misuses human intimacy for personal power. This idea may provide a rationale for the other prohibitions in our passage. We are not allowed to misuse the intimacy of sex for personal aggrandizement or furthering family interests. Thus marrying close relatives is prohibited as it is an attempt to use sexual intimacy as an instrument for keeping wealth or genes within the family. Similarly we are not allowed to use sex as an instrument of humiliation. Sexual liaisons should be based on a level of equality not of the overbearing power of one side. Some see the prohibition of homosexuality coming under this category, as sex between men was often used in the ancient world, and is still used in some societies today, as an instrument of establishing power relationships or humiliating opponents or underlings. This explanation, of course, takes nothing away from the motive of holiness specifically mentioned in our Parshah but it perhaps provides a background to understanding an important and sometimes troubling passage.

Rishon	The High Priest‘s service on Yom Kippur.
Sheni	Not sacrificing outside the Tabernacle.
Shelishi	The prohibition of blood and forbidden sexual liaisons.
Revi’i	The duty to be holy.
Chamishi	Defending the weak and laws of ritual holiness.
Shishi	Punishment for sexual misdemeanours.
Shevi’i	A holy people for a holy land.
Haftorah	Amos: 9;7-15: G-d will save a righteous remnant

Sidra Statistics: Parshat Aharei / Kedoshim

·                has 80 + 64 = 144 verses;

·                are the  6th + 7th in Leviticus,  29th + 30th in the Torah

·                6th + 9th longest in Leviticus,  44th + 49th longest  in the Torah  

·                have 15 pos +   64 neg = 79  mitzvot.

 

PAST PARSHAH PUZZLE

 

Left to right before G-d.

 

The priest putting blood on the leper.

 

PARSHAH PUZZLE

 

Punished for being dirty.

 

WEEKLY HALAKHA

 

On Pesach Sheni many have a custom to eat Matzah.