Parshas Kedoshim deals with a uniquely Jewish concept: the idea of being sanctified and holy just as the Almighty is sanctified and holy. There are many laws and halachos inherent in this quest. In the Torah, the commandment to be holy is followed first by the commandment to honor one’s parents and then by the mitzvah of Shabbos. When these are mentioned in the “Luchos Shniyos” - the second set of tablets, they are both followed by the words “as you were commanded by Hashem your G-d.” (Devarim 5:12).

     The Aruch Hashulchan, R’ Yechiel Michel Epstein zt”l, explains the reason for this. These two special commandments have something in common; they are logical. Even without following the Torah one might still have come to the same decision to observe these practices. Everyone needs a day off from work, while honoring parents is necessary for a civilized society. The Torah therefore tells us not to observe these because of natural instincts, or what local trading laws allow, but because they are the commandments of Hashem and they are what will make us holy and sanctified. In the first set of Luchos, this instruction was not necessary; the people were on the Divine level of angels. Following the sin of the golden calf, however, this instruction became necessary. When the Torah says, “You shall be holy,” it is to be done through the mitzvos of Shabbos and honoring parents, precisely for the sake of Heaven and not just because of what logic dictates.

     From here we may learn that all of our physical needs should be fulfilled in order to serve Hashem. That is the definition of holiness. And we can now understand the statement of Chazal, “Sanctify yourself with that which is permitted to you.” (Yevamos 20a). Holiness is attained not only through spiritual matters, but also through that which is permitted to a person, by his recognizing that he is human and not an angel.