Rabbi Berel Wein
The Torah’s definition of holinessand sanctity, of dignity of self andothers, of respect to one’s body andthat of others, is in the ability to channeland control one’s physical desires. The To-rah explicitly does not condone celibacynor does it demand from human beingsany degree of self-mortification or mas-ochism. It does most certainly demandfrom us responsible and balanced humanbehavior.It outlines a necessary and omnipres-ent nuance in our lives – in our mental andphysical behavior. The rabbis have taughtus that humans willingly sin only becausea manner of distorted thinking – a typeof insanity, if you will – enters one’s mindand being.Judaism has always fought the lonelyand mainly unpopular battle against im-morality and flagrantly wanton behavior.From the Canaanites through the Greeksand the Romans, the debauchery of muchof the Medieval Age and the current un-checked and unrestrained attitudes ofmodern society, traditional Judaism hasdecried lewdness and wanton self-gratifi-cation in many matters.It has demanded that people beke-doshim– separated from immoralbehavior and forbidden liaisons. Itdemands self-control, the avoidance ofcompromising and dangerous situations,and a realization that ultimate goodsense should triumph over momentarygratification.Judaism imposes on us an unpopularstance, especially so in our current modernsociety. And yet, over the long history ofhuman society, it has proven to be the onlycorrect guide for a healthy, happy familylife and a more harmonious social compactbetween people.Many people, Jews included, mock theprotective measures enjoined by Jewishtradition to ensure a society that aspiresto be one ofkedoshim. The mingling ofthe genders in synagogue worship in thenon-Orthodox world has not brought anygreat degree of comfort to those peoplewho sit together. It has rather led to adrastic decline in synagogue attendanceand participation in those groups.The whole concept of modesty indress, speech and behavior is unfortu-nately completely absent and alien inmost of modern society. Not a day pass-es when we are not made aware of thepresence of misconduct among those thatseemingly should know better.Judaism preaches defensive behav-ior and the avoidance of situations thatcould lead to problematic circumstances.Such defensive measures are mocked andscorned by the progressives of the currentworld. Yet we are witness to the tragic per-sonal and national consequences that re-sult in life when such defensive measuresare absent or ignored.The Torah does not waver in its demandto us to bekedoshim, to swim against thetide and persevere in our age-long quest tobe a holy and dedicated people.
