Sanctifying Hashem's Name/2

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Sanctification of Hashem's Name

Exegetical Approaches

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Result of Observance

The words "וְנִקְדַּשְׁתִּי בְּתוֹךְ בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל" describe a condition in which Hashem's name is sanctified, but do not constitute an obligation to perform a specific action.

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.
When will Hashem's name be sanctified?
  • Result of priestly action – According to Ibn Ezra and Abarbanel the verse is directed at the priests.  Ibn Ezra asserts that if they do not profane Hashem by keeping 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.  Abarbanel relates the sanctification more broadly to general observance by the priests.
  • Result of national actions – R. Yochanan, Seforno and Netziv, in contrast, assert that the verse is aimed at the Children of Israel as a whole.
    • According to R. Yochanan and Netziv, the verse teaches that only within a group of ten (בְּתוֹךְ בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל) can Hashem's name be sanctified in prayer ("דברים שבקדושה" require a quorum of ten).
    • According to Seforno, if the people do not profane Hashem's name through improper or debased conduct, then Hashem will perform miracles for them and sanctify Himself in their midst.
Context – These sources differ in how they connect the verse to its surroundings:
  • End of unit beginning 22:26 – Ibn Ezra views the verse as closing the immediately preceding unit (Vayikra 22:26-30), which he believes is directed at the priests.1  It is thus parallel to many verses (variations of "וְלֹא יְחַלֵּל.. כִּי אֲנִי י"י מְקַדְּשָׁם") throughout the chapter2  which similarly serve to remind the priests to be careful not to profane Hashem so that He can be sanctified.
  • Closing to Chapters 21-22 – Abarbanel might instead view the verses as the summation of the larger unit of Chapters 21-22 which speak of priestly laws and the Mikdash.  As mentioned, these chapters contain the recurring motif "וְלֹא יְחַלֵּל.. כִּי אֲנִי י"י מְקַדְּשָׁם".  Vayikra 22:31-33 with its addition of "וּשְׁמַרְתֶּם מִצְוֺתַי" and "הַמּוֹצִיא אֶתְכֶם מֵאֶרֶץ מִצְרַיִם" would be seen as an expanded version of the refrain, as befitting a closing unit.
  • End of unit beginning 22:17 – Seforno might take a middle position, suggesting that verses 22:31-33 provide closure to the unit beginning 22:17ff.  This unit is addressed to both the priest and the nation ("דַּבֵּר אֶל אַהֲרֹן וְאֶל בָּנָיו וְאֶל כׇּל בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל"), allowing for the possibility that 22:32, too, is directed at everyone.
  • Introduction to Chapter 23 –The Netziv uniquely suggests that the verses of Vayikra 22:26-33 are connected not to what precede them, but rather to what follow: the laws of holy days. He can thus suggest that 22:31 speaks of sanctification of Hashem during public prayers, such as those said during the pilgrimage festivals.3
Relationship to "וְלֹא תְחַלְּלוּ אֶת שֵׁם קׇדְשִׁי"
  • According to Ibn Ezra, Abarbanel and Seforno this is an active command (aimed at either the priests4 or the nation5) the observance of which will lead to Hashem's sanctification.
  • According to Netziv, in contrast, there is no connection between the two phrases except that they are both connected to the festivals.  "וְלֹא תְחַלְּלוּ" represents a warning not to behave inappropriately when celebrating as often happened in other religions.
Source for martyrdom

Netziv learns the obligation to forfeit one's life rather than transgress the three cardinal sins of idolatry, illicit relations, and murder from a separate command: "וְאָהַבְתָּ אֵת י"י... בְּכׇל לְבָבְךָ וּבְכׇל נַפְשְׁךָ".

Positive Behavior

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

Passive form of "וְנִקְדַּשְׁתִּי" – The passive form is difficult for this approach.  If the verse is meant to be  a command,  it should be written in the imperative. These sources might suggest that the command is simply implied8 and in support could point to the statement "I am the Lord your God..." which despite not containing a directive, has nonetheless been understood as the source for the obligation to believe in Hashem.9
What type of behavior sanctifies Hashem's name?
  • Performing commandments purely out of love – Rambam asserts that a person sanctifies Hashem's name when he observes His commandments with no ulterior motive, but rather out of love.
  • Actions that causes others to praise – Rambam also claims that if a person behaves in away that leads others to praise him, such as having a pleasant demeanor, good manners and speech,10 he will sanctify Hashem's name. 
  • General upright behavior – R. Saadia Gaon and R. D"Z Hoffmann speak more generally about being upright in every action, observing Hashem's commandments, and being subservient to Him.11 
Context

As the immediate context of the verse relates specifically to priestly laws, there would seem to be no reason to suggest that this verse suddenly speaks of commandments relating to the behavior of the nation at large.

  • This position might respond that the fact that the directive is preceded by the general warning, "וּשְׁמַרְתֶּם מִצְוֺתַי" severs the direct connection to cultic law and in fact sypports the possibility that verse 32, as well, speaks of general behavior.
  • R. D"Z Hoffmann goes further to suggest that 22:31-33 serve as a summation to the much larger unit of laws relating to holiness which stretches from Chapter 19 through 22.12  These open with the directive "קְדֹשִׁים תִּהְיוּ", and contain many warnings directed at the entire nation regarding both desecration of Hashem and sanctification of the people.13
Relationship to "וְלֹא תְחַלְּלוּ אֶת שֵׁם קׇדְשִׁי" – Rambam and R. Hoffmann view the two commandments as flip sides of a coin, the only difference being the positive or negative formulation.  As such, desecration of Hashem's name would include sinning only to spite or anger Hashem, acting rudely or out of anger, and general disrespect or negligence in observance.
Sources for martyrdom

Martyrdom