There are many ways to translate the word “holy” in Jewish texts. As we come to the end of Vayikra/the Book of Leviticus, and particularly what is referred to as “the Holiness Code” within it, it is worth looking at this idea of holiness in new ways.
While conventionality might have us understand “holy” as some form of elevated spirit or connection and relationship to the divine, parashat Behukotai this week has a different meaning of the Hebrew root kuf-daled-shin: property that is dedicated with intended ownership and purpose.
The Talmud in Baba Batra 88a relates a story on the topic:
There was a certain man who brought pumpkins to the city of Pum Nahara. Everyone came and took a pumpkin with the intention of buying it, but had yet to pay for it. The seller was angry, and since he did not know from whom to demand payment, he said to them: The pumpkins are hereby consecrated to Heaven. They came before Rav Kahana to inquire about the halakhic status of the pumpkins. Rav Kahana said to them: This statement has no effect, as a person cannot consecrate an item that is not theirs.
Let us consider the connection between property, ownership, dedication, and elevated spirit as we move into the beginning of the Heart & Chutzpah season where these items have been consecrated toward elevation (auction!), and may we lift these pumpkins above our head, so to speak, for the sake of collective ownership of our community. Let us discern what we own and how we can dedicate it toward our highest ideals. Let us take ownership together for the sake of a higher purpose. This week and beyond, let holiness refer to how to discern what we have, how we use and share it, and for whom it benefits, for the collective good.
Shabbat shalom,
R’ David
While conventionality might have us understand “holy” as some form of elevated spirit or connection and relationship to the divine, parashat Behukotai this week has a different meaning of the Hebrew root kuf-daled-shin: property that is dedicated with intended ownership and purpose.
The Talmud in Baba Batra 88a relates a story on the topic:
There was a certain man who brought pumpkins to the city of Pum Nahara. Everyone came and took a pumpkin with the intention of buying it, but had yet to pay for it. The seller was angry, and since he did not know from whom to demand payment, he said to them: The pumpkins are hereby consecrated to Heaven. They came before Rav Kahana to inquire about the halakhic status of the pumpkins. Rav Kahana said to them: This statement has no effect, as a person cannot consecrate an item that is not theirs.
Let us consider the connection between property, ownership, dedication, and elevated spirit as we move into the beginning of the Heart & Chutzpah season where these items have been consecrated toward elevation (auction!), and may we lift these pumpkins above our head, so to speak, for the sake of collective ownership of our community. Let us discern what we own and how we can dedicate it toward our highest ideals. Let us take ownership together for the sake of a higher purpose. This week and beyond, let holiness refer to how to discern what we have, how we use and share it, and for whom it benefits, for the collective good.
Shabbat shalom,
R’ David
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