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avoid sinning, they merit disconnecting from the nations and becoming
consecrated solely for Hashem.

The pasuk says, and I have separated you from among the peoples to be
Mine.” Rashi teaches, “If you are separated from [the other peoples], you
are Mine. But if not, you belong to Nebuchadnezzar and his colleagues.”
Why did Rashi include Nebuchadnezzar and his colleagues in his
explanation? It is because when Am Yisrael follow the ways of the
nations, ultimately those nations persecute them. In addition, the nations
gain Hashem’s favor instead of Bnei Yisrael, as the Navi prophesied
regarding Nebuchadnezzar, referring to him affectionately as “My
servant.”

Furthermore, Bnei Yisrael are obligated to distance themselves from vice
for Hashem’s sake, with the intention of fulfilling Hashem’s will. When
abstaining from sin, they should intend to do so solely for Hashem’s sake
and not because it is convenient for them.
The two categories of kedushah are split into three levels: (1) Fulfilling
mitzvot and abstaining from sin. The virtue of one who performs mitzvot
and avoids sin is unfathomable. (2) Sanctifying oneself through that which
is permitted according to the Torah. (3) Adhering to the words of the
Torah with the intention of sanctifying Hashem’s Name and fulfilling His
will, solely for Hashem’s sake.

Parashat Kedoshim begins by emphasizing the importance of achieving
greater levels in kedushah and ends by describing the worst level of
tumah. This teaches that one can never remain stationary in his Avodat
Hashem. Either one achieves sanctification and elevation in kedushah,or
he regresses and declines spiritually, ultimately engaging in the sorcery of
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