Let My People Know

Rabbi Adin STeinsaltz: “Constantly in the inner sanctum.”

“I will be sanctified through those near to Me” is a warning directed precisely at those who are close and have been drawn near, who are constantly in the inner sanctum.

They must always be aware that they stand before the holy.

In their case, the penalties must be far more severe, so that “I will be honored before the entire people.”

They must remember why the Holy of Holies bears that name, and that the partition that separates the earthly realm and the holy realm must remain in place, even if they cross that boundary several times a day.

To be sure, this presents a great challenge.

It is much more difficult for a physician to feel the pain of others, and it is much more difficult for a gravedigger to maintain a high level of respect for the dead.

–Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz