Kiddush Hashem #1

Positive Commandment # 9 is Kiddush HaShem - Sanctifying G-d's Name.
We are proud to be Jews and are commanded to make this known to others.

When a Jewish man wears a Kippah so that everyone can see that he is Jewish or when a Jewish girl lights the Shabbat candles for all to see, basically, when we fulfill the Mitzvot with pride and dignity - we announce to the world that we believe in G-d and the Torah.

If someone tries to force us to deny G-d and His Torah, we must remain loyal. Over the centuries, from when Abraham was thrown in a fiery furnace, literally millions of Jews in every era of history have chosen death rather than deny their bond to G-d.

Generally, today, the concept of kiddush Hashem, sanctifying the name of G-d, is observed not by dying as Jews but by living as Jews. When other people see a Jew behaving honestly and uprightly that gives Jews and Judaism a good reputation.

So for example, when we return money if we were given the incorrect change, even though it is the honest thing to do, but the fact that others might have kept quiet about it, sanctifies G-d's name. When we act with honor we bring honor to our faith and G-d.

Then we have the Negative Mitzvah of Desecrating the name of G-d.

Everything a Jew does, has an effect on the way others look at the Jewish people and the Torah. The Torah expects a Jew to behave in a proper and fitting manner.

If a person follows the Mitzvot and acts in a just manner, other people will notice him and praise G-d and His chosen nation. If however, the individual does not act properly, people will see and criticize, not only the person himself, but G-d and His nation.
This is called - a desecration of G-d's name.

Fair or not, the fact of life is that Jews are scrutinized far more carefully than others. Like it or not, every Jew is representing his faith, his people and his G-d. Ultimately, how we act will bring fame or infamy upon all of us. May we all be successful ambassadors.

Today's one minute of Torah is sponsored in memory of, Yehoshua Heschel, one who exemplified - 'an honest and upright Jew', thereby sanctifying G-d's name. May his soul be elevated.