Parashat Kedoshim
Biblical holiness, rooted in God’s perfect nature, calls believers to be set apart and distinct from the common. This divine attribute operates on two fundamental pillars: justice (mishpat) and righteousness (tzedakah). Justice represents God’s judgments and rulings, while righteousness encompasses compassion and charitable actions. These elements must work in harmony, as justice without compassion becomes harsh legalism, and compassion without justice leads to lawlessness. The concept of being perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect doesn’t demand flawless behavior, but rather points to completion and maturity in Messiah.