At the heart of the Five Books of Moses -- literally, at its textual center -- is a series of laws sometimes called "The Holiness Code," so named because it begins with the imperative, "You shall be holy, for I, the Eternal your God, am holy".
It is here that we get some of the more famous lines about how to live a life of holiness, as the Torah calls us to "kedoshim t'heeyu, you shall be holy, ki kadosh ani adonai eloheichem, for I, Adonai your God am holy".
One book, however, was left out, prominently displayed on a table in the library: "A Code of Jewish Ethics, Volume 1: You Shall Be Holy," by Rabbi Joseph Telushkin.
The basic injunction, "You shall be holy, for I, the Lord your God, am Holy," underlay the concern for economically vulnerable members of the community; obligations toward neighbours, hired labourers, and the physically handicapped; interfamilial relationships; and attitudes toward strangers (i.e., non-Israelites).
"You shall be holy, for I, Adonai Your God am Holy," is how the parsha begins.
Our Torah portion opens with the encouraging words, "You shall be holy, for I, the Eternal One, your God, am holy".
You shall speak to the sons of Israel, saying, "This shall be a holy anointing oil to me throughout your generations.
The best rationale is: You shall sanctify yourselves and be holy, for I Am holy (Leviticus 11 44).
Indicating that O'Brien's long-term future would remain firmly in the Vatican's hands, the statement added: "Any decision regarding future arrangements for His Eminence shall be agreed with the Holy See".
In chapters 6 and 7 Ezekiel prophesies that Jerusalem's "altars shall become desolate," its people will be "scattered through the countries," and "because the land is full of bloody crimes and the city full of violence," Yahweh "will put an end to their proud might and their holy places shall be profane".
