Kedusha

Not to be confused with Kedushah (prayer), Kiddush, or Kaddish.

Kedusha (Hebrew: קדושה), meaning "holiness" or "sanctity," is a central concept in Jewish thought, representing the idea of separation, elevation, and dedication to God. Rooted in the Hebrew word kadosh (Hebrew: קדוש), which means "holy" or "set apart," Kedusha signifies a state of being that is spiritually elevated, distinct from the mundane, and aligned with the divine. In Jewish tradition, Kedusha encompasses the holiness of God, the sanctity of the Jewish people, sacred places, time, and actions.

A Jew lifting a Torah scroll, which is imbued with kedusha

Etymology and Definition

The Hebrew root for Kedusha is ק.ד.ש., which means "to be set apart" or "to be holy." In the Torah, holiness is primarily associated with God and His commandments, but it is also a status that human beings and objects can attain through dedication and sanctification. The concept of Kedusha is linked to the idea of being separate from the profane and mundane, elevating the physical world toward a higher, spiritual plane.

Biblical Origins

In the Bible, the concept of holiness is first introduced in relation to God, who is described as holy and completely distinct from the physical world. Leviticus 19:2 commands the Jewish people to "be holy" because God Himself is holy, establishing a central tenet of Judaism: that humans can strive for holiness by aligning their actions with divine will. The Torah often associates Kedusha with observance of commandments and moral purity.

The holiness of time is also a biblical concept, most notably in relation to Shabbat, which is described as a day of holiness, set apart from the rest of the week. Sacred places, such as the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and later the Beit HaMikdash (Temple), are described as imbued with divine Kedusha, where God's presence resides.

Kedusha in People, Places, and Time

Judaism emphasizes that not only God, but also people, places, and times can be imbued with holiness. These different aspects of Kedusha are interrelated, and each represents a unique way in which holiness manifests in the world.

• Kedusha of People

The Jewish people are considered a holy nation (am kadosh), chosen by God to fulfill His commandments. Holiness, in this sense, is achieved through moral behavior, Torah study, and the performance of mitzvot (commandments). The Jewish people are tasked with being a "light unto the nations," reflecting their duty to live according to the ethical and ritual guidelines set forth in the Torah.

• Kedusha of Places

Certain places are considered holier than others. The land of Israel is often referred to as the Holy Land, and within it, Jerusalem and the Temple Mount are considered the holiest locations. The Mishkan (Tabernacle) and later the Beit HaMikdash (Temple) were physical spaces designated for divine service, and the holiness of these places was so profound that access was restricted to certain times and individuals, such as the Kohanim (priests) and the Kohen Gadol (High Priest).

• Kedusha of Time

Time itself can be sanctified. Shabbat is referred to as a holy day, a day of rest that is set apart from the regular workweek. Similarly, the Jewish holidays (moedim) are considered holy times, each imbued with its own particular form of sanctity. These sacred times are opportunities for individuals and the community to connect more deeply with God and reflect on the spiritual dimensions of life.

Kedusha as Separation and Elevation

At its core, Kedusha represents the idea of separation—being set apart from what is ordinary or profane. However, it also signifies elevation, as something is made holy when it is dedicated to a higher purpose. This is evident in the sanctification of objects used for mitzvot (commandments), such as tefillin or a Torah scroll, which become holy by virtue of their use in divine service.

In personal life, this concept manifests through ethical and ritual observance. For example, Jewish law requires individuals to sanctify themselves in what is permissible, meaning that even ordinary activities like eating or engaging in business should be infused with a sense of purpose and alignment with God's will.

Kedusha and Moral Purity

In addition to the ritual aspects of holiness, Judaism stresses that Kedusha is tied to moral behavior. Holiness is not only about fulfilling ritual commandments but also about living an ethical life, treating others with dignity, and striving for justice. This is particularly evident in the Holiness Code (Leviticus 19), which links holiness with ethical commandments such as honesty in business, respect for others, and care for the vulnerable.

Theological Interpretations of Kedusha

Different Jewish thinkers have approached the concept of Kedusha in various ways. For some, holiness is primarily about creating boundaries that separate the sacred from the profane. For others, it is more about a continuous process of spiritual growth, where one elevates oneself and the world through good deeds and mitzvot.

Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch, for instance, argued that Kedusha is not inherent in objects or people but is achieved through the performance of mitzvot. He taught that holiness is a potential that must be actualized through actions.

Kedusha in Modern Thought

Contemporary Jewish thought continues to grapple with the meaning and application of Kedusha. Some modern thinkers emphasize the need for a return to the sacred, arguing that in an increasingly secular world, the concept of holiness remains a vital spiritual goal. Others focus on the ethical dimensions of Kedusha, particularly in areas like social justice and environmental stewardship, where the sanctity of life and creation is emphasized.

See also

• Shabbat