Rabbi Aviner reminds us that the command to live with holiness is not only for the great tzaddikim, but for every Jew, especially in an era of digital challenges.
In this week’s Torah portion, Kedoshim, we read the timeless words:
“And the L-rd spoke to Moshe, saying: Speak to all the congregation of the children of Israel and say to them, You shall be holy, for I the L-rd your G-d am holy” (Vayikra 19:1).
Rabbi Shlomo Aviner, head of the Ateret Cohanim Yeshiva in Jerusalem’s Old City, explains that holiness is not a command reserved only for spiritual giants. The Torah explicitly says: “to all the congregation of the children of Israel.” Every Jew, no matter his or her level, is called to holiness—especially in the realm of personal conduct.
Rashi clarifies: to be holy means to distance oneself from immorality and transgression. In today’s world, Rabbi Aviner warns, this challenge is magnified by the temptations of the internet. Viewing immodest material online, he teaches, violates a range of Torah prohibitions, including:
- “Be holy, because I the L-rd your G-d am holy.”
- “Do not stray after your heart and your eyes.”
- “Sanctify your camp.”
- “Guard yourselves from every evil thing.”
Holiness, Rabbi Aviner emphasizes, is part of the Jewish soul’s DNA—an inheritance from our forefathers. Hashem does not give commandments beyond our ability; with effort, discipline, and sometimes practical tools like filters or guidance, every Jew can live a life of sanctity.
He urges us to remember: even when we sit privately before a screen, Hashem sees everything. Just as satellites can zoom in on our streets, the Creator sees into the deepest corners of our lives.
The Rabbi’s closing call is clear and powerful:
“Do not surrender to your evil inclination without a fight. Be holy—for we are a holy nation and a kingdom of priests.”
