Kiddush Hashem

"Sanctifying G-d’s Name"

Chilul Hashem, the profanation of G-d’s name, is one of the most severe sins a Jew can commit, while sanctifying G-d’s name is one of the greatest mitzvot a Jew can perform.

"Sanctifying and Defiling G-d’s Name"

Two prominent laws are found in parashat Emor that serve as foremost guideposts for the proper behavior of the Jewish people. Kiddush Hashem calls for the sanctification of G-d’s name. Hillul Hashem forbids the profanation and desecration of G-d’s name.

"When Yom Kippur Occurs on Shabbat"

Why did the rabbis who set the Hebrew calendar allow Yom Kippur to occur on Shabbat? After all, when Yom Kippur falls on Shabbat, Jews are unable to fulfill the mitzvah of “Oneg Shabbat,” and “Oneg Shabbat” is not something that may be easily dismissed!

"Living a Sanctified Life"

The revolutionary concept of living a sanctified life might seem daunting, but in reality it is a goal to be aspired to by every Jew. The exalted concept of being G-d-like is not out of the realm of human possibility.