A New (Renewed) Holiness Code

By RABBI MICHAEL A. LATZ

Parashat Acharei Mot (Leviticus 17:1-18:30)

For centuries our sages have engaged in the work of midrash - turning the text, seeking nuance, exploring new understanding.

What follows is midrash on the holiness code regarding sexuality found in Leviticus 18. It takes the ideas of the Torah and, I hope, illuminates them through modern eyes. As you read the text, explore for yourself the relationship between holiness and justice, between covenant and the possibility for a world transformed.

1. The Eternal Voice whispered in Moses' ear, a sacred kiss from the Heavens:
2. Gather the Israelite people, the wrestlers of conscience, and dialogue with them. Begin by saying:
3. I am Who I am Becoming. I AM The Ancient One, The Eternal One, The Beloved. Learn from those who are different than you; their differences will affirm your uniqueness.
4. Follow my path, even when you must question, even when you are afraid, even when your faith eludes you.
5. Guard this Eternal Promise through learning, through struggle, through question, through your own resilience.
6. Love your exquisite creation; embraces the pleasures of your flesh with gentle caresses and loving glances; touch one another in loving covenant; explore the possibilities of connection and creation when you are ready to elevate your soul and are prepared to live in covenant.
7. Do not harm another human being in body or soul; be it your closest blood relation or a distant stranger. You must honor the sexuality and body of another as you do your own. To hurt the body of another-or your own-is to'evah; it is an abomination.
8. If you have an intimate relationship that ends, refrain for a period of time before beginning one anew. This will help you to purify your heart and behave in honorable ways; it will also prevent you from unwittingly harming another because your heart still aches.
9. You must never engage in sexual relations with children. It is to'evah (a desecration).
10. You must not rape or sexually coerce another. It is to'evah (a desecration).
11. Limit your sexual activity to humanity. It is better for all creation.
12. When you find your beloved, your bashert, commit yourself faithfully in body and in soul. Do not engage in sexual relations with those other than your beloved. This is the essence of brit, covenant.
13. I, the Eternal One, am not concerned with who mature adults love, be it male or female. I am concerned how you love. Love fully, completely, passionately, fairly, deeply. Forgive readily. Laugh often. Support and nurture always.
14. Separate yourselves from those who are narrow and small-minded. They may trick you with their idols of certainty, their deceptive lack of doubt. Do not be confused nor swayed by their empty promises and vacuous lies; for I will guide you in faithfulness and love.
15. I am Your Eternal God, who lead you from the places of narrowness to the open space of promise and possibility. Celebrate the possibility of creating covenant with another. This is brit. This is holy.