Parsha Kodashim — Time for ESG

This year I chose a theme of ESG-Ethics, Social and Governance in the Parsha, the weekly Bible reading. This week is Parsha Kodashim.- being Holy.

This weekly portion is the ultimate ESG Bible of instruction. It lays out a full moral and ethical ecosystem.

It is full of justice and compassion. There are many layers of sensitivity, depth, meaning and impact.

If you want proof that the Torah is the word of God, then this is it. I do not believe that man, especially 3,500 years ago could have rationally come up with these guiding principles in Life.

Even today, we are so far removed these ethical, social and governance Teachings and principles.

If only we could learn, internalise, and practise these teachings, then we as individuals and society would be a better place.

If I were minister of education, I would make this portion a compulsory subject like English or Maths.

Indeed, why are there not compulsory courses subjects in Ethics, Emotional intelligence, or Tikkun Olam, Internet as a business in schools.

Time for a reset. We are living in online world and education is still stuck in the 20th century.

It is interesting that our Parsha starts with personal Teachings

Leviticus 19:3

איש אמו ואביו תיראו ואת־שבתתי תשמרו אני יהוה אלהיכם׃

You shall revere every man his mother, and his father, and keep my sabbaths; I am the Lord your God.

Respect for fellow man, with with an emphasis for our parents. And in the same sentence you have keep the Shabbat and recognize a higher power — God.

Shabbat is the ultimate mindfulness, the ultimate work — life barrier. It is more than a day of rest — a weekly meeting, an opportunity to reset, to reflect, engage with God, family and friends. What a gift.

Indeed, all the teachings on this parsha are diamonds.

Man, me and you are diamonds in the rough.

Life is above polishing these rough stones.

Wishing you a mindful Shabbat — Shabbat Shalom