Kedoshim - Holy קְדשִׁים
Torah Portion: Leviticus 19:1 - 20:27
Reading #5 - Leviticus 20:1–7
My Thoughts:
Again we are learning about Hashem’s extreme disregard for child sacrifice. The penalties for this are death itself to the person committing the crime. So, what has changed if we look at today? We “sacrifice” pre-born babies (children) to the gods of convenience, selfishness, fear, abuse, economics, etc. through abortion. Our country (the United States) and other countries (even Israel) have been torn apart regarding this controversial issue of life. But, why is it controversial? Why do people defend the right to “choice” – the legal right to abort (kill) your developing baby? I’m afraid the root of all this is very deep. And the consequences go far and wide. If you have had an abortion or helped someone to get one, now is the time to go earnestly before Hashem to ask for forgiveness. From my understanding, He will forgive you. And then make a strong effort to support women around you who do get pregnant unexpectedly – help them not to make the same mistake. It’s time for all of us to change and get on Hashem’s path of life. Amen.
Challenge:
Again we learn about not following or seeking mediums and wizards. Here is the question I have about this. If we watch shows about magic, mediums, the darker side of the world – is that disobedience? We may not be performing the task, but we are watching someone else do so. And when you watch a movie/TV show – aren’t you participating in this somehow? If you buy products, games, and apparel that are produced by companies that promote magic (mediums, wizards, etc.) – isn’t that the same as participating in the act itself? We all need to take a hard look at what we do with magic. We need to repent, turn away and change. Today.
20:1 Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “Moreover, you shall tell the children of Israel, ‘Anyone of the children of Israel, or of the strangers who live as foreigners in Israel, who gives any of his offspring to Molech shall surely be put to death. The people of the land shall stone that person with stones. 3 I also will set my face against that person, and will cut him off from among his people, because he has given of his offspring to Molech, to defile my sanctuary, and to profane My holy name. 4 If the people of the land all hide their eyes from that person when he gives of his offspring to Molech, and don’t put him to death, 5 then I will set my face against that man and against his family, and will cut him off, and all who play the prostitute after him to play the prostitute with Molech, from among their people.
6 “‘The person that turns to those who are mediums and wizards, to play the prostitute after them, I will even set my face against that person, and will cut him off from among his people.
7 “‘Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be holy; for I am Hashem your Adonai.
