In this week’s double parsha, Acharei Mot and Kedoshim, we can learn about seeing and using our surroundings to shape us. After seeing something, we can do one of two things: learn from it and not do it, or copy what we saw.
After the death of Aaron’s two sons, Nadav and Aviyhu, Hashem instructed Aaron not to go too close to Him without permission. In essence, Hashem was saying, You saw what happened, so make sure you learn from these two holy people who have passed. Additionally, Hashem tells us as a nation, to look at what the other nations are doing, and don’t be like them. We need to be holy and separate ourselves and how we do certain things. In contrast, Hashem gives us a time when He tells us to look and copy what we see–– to see what He does and follow Him.
From this we learn a very great lesson: Our eyes can see one thing and think something is allowed, but we need to take a closer look and then ask ourselves, What would Hashem say to me? Would He tell me to look and do? Or would He tell me to look and learn from what had been done?
May we all be able to use our eyes and the world around us to shape and help us be better. May we learn how to emulate Hashem and emulate truth and goodness!
