How are we to perform this act of imitatio Dei/Imitation of God? Not, as we might suppose, through elevation of
the spirit by prayer or contemplation. Not through denial of the flesh by
fasting or abstinence. The Holiness Code
of Parashat K’doshim makes it clear that we, human beings made in the image of
God, imitate God through the performance of mitzvot:
“You shall each revere your mother
and your father, and keep My Sabbaths.”
(Leviticus 19:3)
“You shall not pick your vineyard
bare, or gather the fallen fruit of your vineyard; you shall leave them for the
poor and the stranger.” (Leviticus
19:10)
“You shall not defraud your
fellow. You shall not commit
robbery. ... The wages of a laborer shall
not remain with you until morning.”
(Leviticus 19:13)
“You shall not insult the deaf, or
place a stumbling block before the blind.”
(Leviticus 19:14)
“Do not profit by the blood of your
fellow.” (Leviticus 19:14)Our tradition instructs us to become godly through engaging in the world – and by treating others justly.
In a world that seems crazy, dirty, and broken, this is how we make our lives made holy. This is how we bring holiness into the world.
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