Study sources for understanding the concept of holiness
The concept of holiness in Judaism seems vague to me and I can’t quite understand it. It comes up in quite a few contexts, for example the Shekhinah that is in the Holy of Holies, the holiness of certain objects, and generally the holiness that is found in a particular physical place or at a particular time. I really have no idea what it means beyond a vague intuitive concept.
I know this is a big topic, and yet, does the Rabbi have any recommended sources through which I can begin to learn about this topic so that these things become clearer to me?
I don’t think the subject is that big, and even less do I think there is material to read that will help you with this. In my understanding, holiness is a divine presence, and when there is a closer and more distinct presence, the holiness is greater (see Mishneh Ezra Kedushat in Tractate Kelim). It can be in some time and/or place, or in some object. That’s all.
I don't understand what it means that there is a divine presence in a certain place or at a certain time and what it means that it is closer or more distinct. Is God physically present in space? Is He matter? Is He a ghost? Are there 3 units of God's volume in one place and 4 units of His volume in another?
If the statement regarding the Mishnah on the utensils is that this is the very meaning of divine presence, that is, that divine presence = laws regarding which unclean things are forbidden to stand in that area, I understand. But it seems to me that this is not the intention, but rather that because there is more divine presence in the area, certain halachic aspects arise from this, so in fact, even after looking at the Mishnah, I didn't really understand what divine presence means.
I don't understand what's not clear. Do you understand God? He exists in space? At least not like a physical object. It is common to think that he influences reality. And there are objects, places, times where he influences more/closer. That's all. What's the problem with that? What's there to delve into here?
How is this influence expressed in reality? In the Ark of the Covenant, one could say that there is a mystical influence, and there it is clear. But in the case of the Sabbath, Tefillin, Passover, or things like that, the influence seems to be expressed only in the multiplicity of laws. So are the multiplicity of laws in something and the 'presence of God' the same concepts?
In my understanding, the laws are a result of the state of holiness and not its very definition.
If something signifies God in the world, then it is holy, whether it be tefillin and mezuzot with the name of God written on them, or a place consecrated to His worship such as the Temple and synagogues, or even the people of Israel themselves.
Berkowitz, in his book, devotes a chapter to the topic on holiness in a different direction.
There is the book Kedushat Aviv by Rabbi Lichtenstein.
If you are interested in the concept of holiness in general, there is a book by Rudolf Otto called “On Holiness”
If you are interested, there is an interesting lecture by Prof. Moshe Halbertal on YouTube.
And Ishtamiyatiya gave a series of lessons to Marna Ramada on the subject of holiness.
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