A Jewish JrK-12 College Preparatory School Serving South Florida

A Jewish JrK-12 College Preparatory School Serving South Florida

Be Holy: Bringing Kedusha Into Our Everyday Lives

May 8, 2025

This week we read a double portion: Acharei Mot and Kedoshim. These parshiot sit right at the heart of Sefer Vayikra, and that’s no coincidence. Their messages are the heart of what it means to live a meaningful Jewish life.

In Parshat Kedoshim, God says to Bnei Yisrael, kedoshim tihiyu, ki kadosh ani hashem elokeichem. “You shall be holy, for I, Hashem your God, am holy.” (Vayikra 19:2)

But what does it really mean to “be holy”? Is it something reserved for rabbis, prophets, or perfect people?

The Torah immediately shows us that holiness is actually about how we treat each other—being honest, kind, fair, and respectful. Holiness isn’t about being separate from the world. It’s about bringing light into the world through our everyday actions—how we speak, how we help, how we forgive.

This message is lived out every day in our school community.

  • Dr. Cuenca, thank you for modeling leadership rooted in respect and vision. Your care for every student and staff member reminds us that true greatness comes from humility and heart.

 

  • Rabbi Kaplan, thank you for bringing Torah to life and showing us that holiness is something we build, one mitzvah, one question, one insight at a time.

 

  • Morah Ella, thank you for inspiring joy and passion in our learning, and for making every moment in the classroom feel special and sacred.

 

  • Andrew, thank you for your constant support—often behind the scenes, always essential. Your quiet acts of service teach us what real dedication looks like.

 

  • Ms. Spier, thank you for your unwavering commitment to helping each student grow into their best selves. You remind us that kindness is a powerful form of leadership.

 

We don’t have to be perfect to be holy. We just have to be aware, and strive every day to be a little better, a little kinder, a little more connected to our purpose.

May this Shabbat remind us that holiness isn’t far away—it’s right here, in our halls, our friendships, our choices. And it’s something we can all reach for, together.

Shabbat Shalom Umevurach!

Rabbi Daniel Raz