Kiddush Hashem

See also: Martyrdom in Judaism and Self-sacrifice in Jewish law

Kiddush HaShem (Hebrew: קידוש השם "sanctification of the Name") is a precept of Judaism. In rabbinic sources and modern parlance, it refers to private and communal conduct that reflects well, instead of poorly, on the Jewish people.

Origins

The phrase "sanctification of the Name" does not occur in the Hebrew Bible,[1] but the instruction "to sanctify [God]" and the converse command "you shall not profane My holy name"[2] is frequently expressed. Any action by a Jew that brings honor, respect, and glory to God is considered to be sanctification of His name. In contrast, any behavior or action that disgraces, harms or shames God's name and His Torah is regarded as a chillul Hashem (desecration of the Name). The term appears throughout early Rabbinic literature, including the Sifre Devarim, the Talmud Yerushalmi, and the Talmud Bavli, and its principle – acting in such a manner as to avoid the criticism of gentiles – is cited for halakhic rulings.

Martyrdom during the Hadrianic persecution is called sanctification of the Name in Bavli Berachot 20a and Midrash Tehillim.[3] The ultimate act of sanctification of the Name is a Jew who is prepared to sacrifice his life rather than commit idolatry,[4] sexually forbidden acts (such as incest or adultery), or murder. The commandment[clarification needed] was introduced by the Exegetes.[5]

See also

References

  1. ^ Esther Marie Menn Judah and Tamar (Genesis 38) in ancient Jewish exegesis 1997 p. 262 "The Hebrew Bible itself, however, does not employ the phrase "sanctification of the Name" to describe this type of positive connection.... "Sanctification of the Name" in the teachings of the tannaim 44 (1979) 28–42.
  2. ^ Leviticus 22:32, 18:21, 21:6, 22:2
  3. ^ Craig A. Evans, James A. Sanders The function of scripture in early Jewish and Christian tradition 1998– Page 218 "R. 2.7, in which the words 'Give your soul for the sanctification of the Name'. Martyrdom during the Hadrianic persecution is also called 'sanctification of the Name' in b. Ber. 20a and Midr. Teh.
  4. ^ "Jewish Virtual Library".
  5. ^ Safrai, Samuel (1979). "קידוש השם בתורתם של התנאים [Sanctification of the Name in the Teachings of the Exegetes]". ציון [Zion] (in Hebrew). 44, pp. 28–42.