Parshat Emor

In this week's parsha, Emor, we read, "You shall not profane My holy name, that I may be sanctified in the midst of the Israelite people--I the Lord who sanctify you." (Lev. 22:32)

From this verse, and a couple of others, the rabbis suggest that we can make God's name holy, and we can dishonor God's name too. Making God's name holy is called Kiddush HaShem. The opposite, profaning God's name is called Hillul HaShem.

One of the best-known examples of Kiddush HaShem that is mentioned in the Talmud concerns an incident in the life of Shimon ben Shetach who found a valuable gem hanging around the neck of a camel he had bought from a non-Jew. His students urged him to keep the treasure that God had given him. However, Shimon ben Shetach quickly returned the stone saying, "I purchased an animal, not a precious stone." When the man was given back the stone he exclaimed, "Blessed be the God of Shimon ben Shetach; blessed be the God of Israel." Shimon Ben Shetach's honesty caused the non-Jewish man to praise God which is a Kiddush HaShem.

Discuss with your family other examples of Kiddush HaShem and Hillul HaShem. What can we do to make God's name holy? What things that people do dishonor God's name?