In this week’s Torah portion, Kedoshim, the Israelites are commanded to reflect on their own behavior and to be holy. In fact, God commands the entire nation of Israelites to be holy – not just the rich, or the priests, but all the regular people too. If it sounds like a huge responsibility, you are right! How do you become holy? We learn that holiness can be achieved by paying our workers on time, being kind to the earth, being honest and fair in our business practices, and, the two biggies: loving our neighbors, and the stranger, as ourselves.

Now more than ever, it is important to behave respectfully, with dignity and kindness. None of us are perfect, and we all make mistakes. God also commands us to forgive ourselves a little when we fall short, so that we can love ourselves enough to try again. Each day is an opportunity to add holiness, or light, to the world.

How can you be holy today?