Sanctifying Hashem's Name/2

Sanctification of Hashem's Name

Exegetical Approaches

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Result of Observance

Vayikra 22:31 declares that observance of Hashem's commandments will lead to a sanctification of Hashem's name, but does constitute an obligation perform a specific action.

Sources:Ibn EzraVayikra 22:31-33About R. Avraham ibn Ezra, AbarbanelVayikra 22About R. Yitzchak Abarbanel, SefornoVayikra 22:32About R. Ovadyah Seforno

Passive form of "וְנִקְדַּשְׁתִּי" – The passive form of the word "וְנִקְדַּשְׁתִּי" supports this position, suggesting that the sanctification is a consequence rather than a command.

To whom are these words directed?

• Priests – Ibn Ezra and Abarbanel claim that the words are aimed at the priests. If they keep the laws immediately preceding this passage (not slaughtering a mother and son together and properly offering thanksgiving sacrifices), then Hashem's name will be sanctified.
• Nation – Seforno, in contrast, asserts that if the Children of Israel

Positive Behavior

The phrase "וְנִקְדַּשְׁתִּי בְּתוֹךְ בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל" obligates people to behave in a manner which will sanctify God's name.

Sources:Bavli YomaYoma 86aAbout the Bavli, Bavli MegillahMegillah 23bAbout the Bavli, Bavli SotahSotah 10bAbout the Bavli, R. Saadia GaonR. Saadia GaonAbout R. Saadia Gaon,

Martyrdom

"וְנִקְדַּשְׁתִּי בְּתוֹךְ בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל" is the positive commandment to die rather than transgress commandments in public.

Sources:Sifra Vayikra22:32-33About the Sifra Vayikra, Yerushalmi SanhedrinSanhedrin 3:5About the Yerushalmi, Bavli SanhedrinSanhedrin 74a-bAbout the Bavli, Bavli Avodah ZarahAvodah Zarah 27bAvodah Zarah 54aAbout the Bavli, RashiVayikra 22:32About R. Shelomo Yitzchaki, RambamSefer HaMitzvot Positive Commandment 9Sefer HaMitzvot Negative Commandment 63About R. Moshe b. Maimon, RambanMilchamot Hashem Sanhedrin 18aShemot 20:5About R. Moshe b. Nachman, RalbagVayikra 22:31-32Vayikra 22 Toelet 16About R. Levi b. Gershom,