Parshas Kedoshim for Kids
פרשת קדושים
"You shall be holy." Leave the corners of your field for the poor, judge fairly, do not stand by while someone is hurt, do not carry hatred in your heart - and love your fellow as yourself.
In a Torah Tale book, your own child is the hero of this story - drawn from their photo, on every page, in their own name. Written under rabbinical guidance with strict tznius, printed and shipped to your door in English, Hebrew or Yiddish.
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What happens in Parshas Kedoshim
Parshas Kedoshim begins with Hashem's words to all of Bnei Yisrael: you shall be holy, for I am holy. Rashi explains that Moshe Rabbeinu taught this parsha to the whole nation gathered together, because so many basic mitzvos are in it. Holiness here is not only in the Mishkan; it is in the field, the market and the home. Respect your parents and keep Shabbos. Leave the corners of your field and the fallen stalks for the poor. Do not steal or lie, pay a worker on the same day, and do not place a stumbling block before the blind, which Rashi explains also means not giving someone bad advice.
Do not go around telling tales, and do not stand by while someone is in danger. Do not hate your brother in your heart; if something bothers you, speak to him gently. Do not take revenge or hold a grudge. And then come the famous words: love your fellow as yourself. Rabbi Akiva called this a great principle of the Torah. The parsha also says to stand up before an older person and to keep honest weights and measures.
Lessons and middos for children
Love your fellow
Treat others the way you would want to be treated. Sharing, including someone who is left out and helping a sibling are all ways to love your fellow.Respect for elders
The Torah tells us to stand up for an older person. We can greet grandparents and older neighbors with honor.Letting go of grudges
Rashi gives the example of someone who would not lend his tool and later asks to borrow ours. We lend anyway, and do not remind him.
Questions for the Shabbos table
- Rabbi Akiva said that loving your fellow as yourself is a great principle of the Torah. Why do you think it is so important?
- Why would the Torah care about leaving food in the corners of a field?
- If a friend would not share with you yesterday and asks to borrow your markers today, what would you do?
- What is one way you can stand up for an older person or show them respect?
How your child steps into the story
Your child is among the whole nation gathered to hear Moshe Rabbeinu teach this parsha, and then helps leave the corner of a field for the poor and greets an older man with respect. The story ends with your child noticing how holy everyday kindness can be, looking ahead to the Yamim Tovim of Parshas Emor.