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The second of this week's double parsha, Kedoshim, begins with the mitzvah of "Kedoshim Tehiyu" - you shall be holy (Vayikra 19:1).
There are multiple understandings as to what this particular mitzvah is commanding us to do. Rashi, quoting Torat Kohanim, focuses on holiness that emanates from separation from prohibited sexual relations and from sin.
Ramban talks about the concept of a "naval bereshut haTorah" - an individual, who while following the letter of the law, flaunts the spirit of the laws and acts in inappropriate ways within the law.
The Rambam, however, following the comments of the Sifri, views this mitzvah as a more global mitzvah - a heading to the chapter, or a general - "Keep all the mitzvot that I have commanded!" If we take this idea of this mitzvah of "Kedoshim Tehiyu" being a heading for the chapter that follows, we end up with a very interesting understanding of what kedusha, holiness, is.
The mitzvot that follow this precept are wide and varied. They reach into all aspects of our lives. Kedusha is about our relationships within our immediate families (fear your parents), our spiritual relationship with Hashem (don't worship avodah zara, what we are thinking when giving korbanot), how we treat others who are less fortunate (leave produce in your fields for the poor, don't place a stumbling block in front of a blind person), monetary and business relationships, a fair justice system, general interpersonal ethics, the words that come out of our mouths (don't lie, don't swear in God’s name), and even how we feel and react towards others (don’t hate your brother, don’t bear a grudge). The list of mitzvot goes on and on, but they reach all parts of our lives.
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