Children live in a world shaped by imaginary play, while adults take pride in distinguishing reality from fantasy. Yet some of the imagery we internalized in childhood lingers into adulthood. Not because we still believe it to be true, but because it continues to offer something meaningful. These images help us retain a certain feeling and sense of connection, even if they no longer make rational sense.
This dynamic applies to our understanding of G-d. The Talmud, for example, describes G-d as resembling the Kohen Gadol (High Priest) dressed in his sacred vestments. This visual is not meant to be taken literally, but to convey that G-d is majestic and awe-inspiring. Just as people stood in reverence before the High Priest, we too are we meant to feel a sense of awe and reverence when contemplating G-d.
Building on this image of G-d, let’s pose a thought-provoking question:
In this week’s Torah portion of Emor, we learn the laws pertaining to the Kohanim, the priests. The role of a Kohen is vital, as it was during the time of the Temple. A Kohen is required to maintain ritual purity at all times, which meant avoiding contact with the dead, a source of spiritual contamination. The Kohen Gadol, the High Priest, had even stricter limitations.
If G-d is likened to the High Priest, and we know that G-d partakes in both our joyous and sorrowful moments, how then can He participate in the funeral of His children without becoming spiritually impure? Shouldn’t He, too, be bound by the same laws of purity?
Here we must remember: analogies are tools for understanding, not every detail must align perfectly. G-d is not human. The comparison to the High Priest is meant to help us grasp a relatable concept of holiness. While a human being, no matter how holy, remains susceptible to impurity, G-d transcends such limitations. He is not affected by the unholy; He is the source of holiness itself.
So when G-d is present at a funeral, He is not rendered impure. On the contrary, His presence brings sanctity to the moment.
This deeper understanding helps us appreciate G-d’s holiness in a more mature way. He is pure and transcendent, unblemished by the challenges of this world. And as His people, we are called upon to reflect that holiness in our own lives and to strive for purity and sanctity, even as we remain grounded in the real and sometimes messy world around us.
Shabbat Shalom.