At the beginning of Parshat Kedoshim, it says קְדשִׁ֣ים תִּֽהְי֑וּ, that we are kadosh. Not only are we told that we are kadosh, we are kadosh because Hashem is kadosh. Some people define kadosh as holy, but what does that mean? What does it mean that we are kadosh?

The word kadosh means separate or different. Hashem, in Parshat Kedoshim, is reminding us that we are different and separate from other nations, like Hashem. There is no one like Hashem, and there’s no one like the Jewish People.

Nowadays, we are hearing this wake-up call loud and clear. Hashem is screaming these words at us. He is screaming to us: You ARE Jewish. You ARE different. And you should be proud because I, Hashem, am with you.

Even though some of our mitzvot may appear burdensome, today we are reminded that these commandments and mitzvot from Hashem are what not only distinguish us from other people but also make us good individuals.The mitzvot we have and actions we do when we follow the Torah and become moral people are what it means to be kadosh.

Now, more than ever, we need to take a stand and be unique. In an era of lies, it is our duty to disseminate the facts. We have to bring love into a hateful world. In an age where people are rejecting God’s will, we have a duty to propagate godliness. Because Hashem knows we can change the world, He chose us, the Jewish people, to be different. Hashem is with us! He is kadosh like us! With His help, we can create a better world with peace, happiness, love and blessings.

Shira Sedek is a passionate educator currently working toward a master’s degree at Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration.