6

To sanctify His Name

The Luchos - Ten Commandments
:פָּרָשַׁת אֱמוֹר - וְלֹ֤א תְחַלְּלוּ֙ אֶת־שֵׁ֣ם קָדְשִׁ֔י וְנִ֨קְדַּשְׁתִּ֔י בְּת֖וֹךְ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל אֲנִ֥י יְהֹוָ֖ה מְקַדִּשְׁכֶֽם
Leviticus 22:32 - You shall not desecrate My Holy Name. I shall be sanctified amidst the children of Israel. I am the L-rd Who sanctifies you.

This Mitzvah's Summary

מִצְוָה עֲשֵׂה - Positive Commandment
מִצְוָה לֹא תַעֲשֶׂה - Negative Commandment
Core Beliefs – יְסוֹדוֹת הָאֱמוּנָה

To sanctify Hashem’s Name We are commanded to sanctify Hashem’s Name through our actions, even to the point of martyrdom when required.our words and actions.

This mitzvah obligates Israel to live in a way that brings honor to Hashem, sanctifying His Name through righteousness, Torah observance, and public devotion. Rambam (Sefer HaMitzvot, Positive Commandment 9; Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 5:1–2) codifies that one must give up life rather than commit idolatry, forbidden sexual relations, or murder. Beyond martyrdom, everyday conduct must also sanctify Hashem by embodying justice, kindness, and faith.

Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 296) teaches that Kiddush Hashem is the pinnacle of devotion, whether in public martyrdom or private piety. The Talmud (Yoma 86a) explains that when one lives with integrity, others say, “Fortunate is his teacher who taught him Torah,” thereby sanctifying Hashem. Rashi (Lev. 22:32) highlights that this mitzvah calls for devotion even in the face of death, while Ramban expands that sanctification includes constant loyalty and joy in serving Hashem.

Commentary & Classical Explanation:

  • Rambam (Yesodei HaTorah 5:1–2): Defines Kiddush Hashem as both martyrdom and daily conduct that honors Hashem.
  • Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 296): Teaches it is the highest mitzvah, manifest in life and death.
  • Talmud (Yoma 86a): Explains sanctification occurs when others are inspired by our conduct.
  • Rashi (Lev. 22:32): States it requires devotion even unto death.
  • Ramban (Lev. 22:32): Broadens it to constant loyalty and joy in mitzvot.

Contrast with Profaning His Name (Mitzvah 7):

  • Mitzvah 6 commands sanctification, Mitzvah 7 forbids desecration.
  • Rambam notes that they form a pair: every act either sanctifies or profanes.
  • Sefer HaChinuch emphasizes that public mitzvah observance honors Hashem, while sin desecrates.

Parallel to Fear and Love (Mitzvot 4–5):

  • Love inspires closeness, fear inspires restraint, Kiddush Hashem elevates both into public covenantal witness.
  • Talmud (Berachot 61b) connects martyrdom in love to sanctification through fear, uniting the two.
(Source: Chabad.org)

Applying this Mitzvah Today

Living with Integrity

  • Rambam (Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 5:11) explains that everyday honesty in business, kindness in speech, and dignity in behavior sanctify Hashem’s Name. In today’s world, Kiddush Hashem often happens in workplaces, online interactions, and daily transactions where Jews are visible representatives of Torah.

Public Jewish Identity

  • Ramban (Lev. 22:32) emphasizes that Kiddush Hashem requires visible faithfulness. Wearing a kippah, keeping kosher, or observing Shabbat openly — even under pressure — fulfills this mitzvah by demonstrating loyalty to Hashem in public life.

Moral Courage Against Pressure

  • Talmud (Sanhedrin 74a) obligates martyrdom in cases of idolatry, murder, or forbidden relations. While literal martyrdom is rare today, standing firm against antisemitism, cultural compromise, or moral corruption is modern Kiddush Hashem.

Sanctifying Hashem Through Communal Life

  • Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 296) teaches that Kiddush Hashem applies communally — supporting Torah institutions, charity, and public mitzvot. Modern applications include Jewish organizations that model justice, compassion, and excellence to the broader society.

Resisting Chillul Hashem

  • Rambam (Hilchot De’ot 5:13) warns that careless or unethical behavior creates chillul Hashem. Today, this means Jews must be vigilant that scandals, online misconduct, or financial dishonesty do not profane Hashem’s Name.

Courage in Digital Spaces

  • Midrash (Sifrei Devarim §32) says: “Kiddush Hashem is when Israel proclaims: ‘We are His.’” In the digital era, Kiddush Hashem includes respectful, ethical conduct online, using platforms to share Torah and model Jewish values rather than diminishing them.

Notes on this Mitzvah's Fundamentals

Core Beliefs – יְסוֹדוֹת הָאֱמוּנָה

  • Rambam (Sefer HaMitzvot, Pos. 9) identifies this as the central mitzvah binding Israel’s faith to public witness. Sefer HaChinuch (296) stresses Kiddush Hashem reveals the essence of belief — that devotion transcends life itself.

Faith – אֱמוּנָה

  • Talmud (Yoma 86a) explains that living with honesty and integrity inspires others to recognize Hashem. Rambam notes this everyday Kiddush Hashem strengthens emunah in society.

Martyrdom – קִידּוּשׁ הַשֵּׁם

  • Rambam (Yesodei HaTorah 5:1–2) codifies that martyrdom is required to sanctify Hashem’s Name in cases of idolatry, murder, or forbidden relations. Sefer HaChinuch (296) calls this the loftiest form of devotion.

Holiness – קְדֻשָּׁה

  • Ramban (Lev. 22:32) says Kiddush Hashem elevates daily acts into holiness. Midrash Sifra adds that sanctity is displayed when Jews live joyfully and loyally in Torah.

Reverence – יִרְאַת שָׁמַיִם

  • Rashi (Lev. 22:32) teaches that fearing Hashem leads to public sanctification, even unto death. Rambam says awe of Hashem ensures one avoids Chillul Hashem.

Love – אַהֲבָה

  • Talmud (Berachot 61b) connects martyrdom to love, as one gives life out of devotion. Sefer HaChinuch (296) highlights that true Kiddush Hashem flows from deep ahavah.

Bein Adam L’Makom – בֵּין אָדָם לְמָקוֹם

  • Rambam writes Kiddush Hashem is the highest mitzvah of Bein Adam L’Makom, since it proclaims Hashem’s sovereignty before all.

Bein Adam L’Chavero – בֵּין אָדָם לַחֲבֵרוֹ

  • Talmud (Yoma 86a) explains that good conduct in business and kindness to others sanctifies Hashem’s Name in the eyes of the world.

This Mitzvah's Fundamental Badges

Core Beliefs - יְסוֹדוֹת הָאֱמוּנָה

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Used for mitzvot that reflect Judaism’s foundational principles—belief in G-d, reward and punishment, prophecy, Torah from Heaven, and more. These commandments shape the lens through which all others are understood.

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Faith - אֱמוּנָה

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Represents Emunah—the deep, inner trust in Hashem’s presence, oneness, and constant involvement in our lives. This badge symbolizes a heartfelt connection to G-d, rooted in belief even when we cannot see. It is the emotional and spiritual core of many mitzvot.

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Martyrdom - קִידּוּשׁ הַשֵּׁם

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Represents sanctifying G‑d’s Name—even to the point of self-sacrifice when necessary.

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Holiness - קְדֻשָּׁה

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Represents the concept of  spiritual intentionality, purity, and sanctity—set apart for a higher purpose.

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Reverence - יִרְאַת שָׁמַיִם

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Signifies awe and reverence toward Hashem—living with awareness of His greatness and presence.

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Love - אַהֲבָה

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Reflects mitzvot rooted in love—of G‑d, others, and the world we are entrusted to uplift.

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Between a person and G-d - בֵּין אָדָם לְמָקוֹם

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Mitzvot that define and deepen the relationship between a person and their Creator. These include commandments involving belief, prayer, Shabbat, festivals, sacrifices, and personal holiness — acts rooted in divine connection rather than human interaction.

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Between a person and their fellow - בֵּין אָדָם לַחֲבֵרוֹ

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Encompasses mitzvot that govern ethical behavior, kindness, and justice in human relationships.

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