We all make them. Some of us admit to it; others deny it. Let’s be honest: mistakes happen.
The real question is how we respond to them. Do we simply acknowledge the mistake and move on, determined not to repeat it? Or do we take the time to look inward and ask ourselves, How did I allow this to happen in the first place?
Let’s explore this further. Mistakes often fall into a few general categories:
- We didn’t know any better.
- We knew better, but still messed up—though unintentionally.
- We were warned about the consequences, but went ahead anyway. And because we had clear advance knowledge, we are held fully accountable.
This kind of nuanced understanding is found in this week’s Torah portion, Acharei Mot–Kedoshim. Near the end of the portion, the Torah describes someone who turns to a spirit-diviner for guidance, along with the punishment that follows. The repetition in the verse reveals the Torah’s layered approach to judging whether a mistake is innocent or blameworthy.
But this leads to a question: Why does the Torah get so nuanced? Why not just state the law simply and clearly?
The name of the portion offers a hint—Kedoshim, meaning “holy.” The Torah is inviting us to see ourselves as holy people. When we embrace that identity, we naturally want to distinguish right from wrong. We educate ourselves, we reflect, and we avoid falling back on excuses or justifications.
As Jews, our goal is not just to avoid mistakes, but to understand what led us there—and grow from the experience.
Shabbat Shalom