The Possibility Within Us: Lessons from Parsha Emor

Recently, I became a fan of Esti Hamilton. I made a commitment to attend her Torah class once a week—not out of obligation, but because her teachings speak to something deep within me. I admire the way she transmits wisdom—not just as information, but in a way that awakens something in the listener. She carries values that I aspire to live by: kindness, strength, purity, and a deep connection to Hashem.

Every time I make the effort to go hear her, I feel like I’m investing in who I want to become. She reminds me of the kind of woman I want to be—grounded, thoughtful, and guided by purpose.

In the same way that many of us flock to hear a new, popular rabbi or spiritual teacher, there’s something magnetic about people who truly embody what they teach. They don’t just inspire us—they represent the possibility within us.

It’s also why platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok are so powerful. They don’t just connect people—they tap into our innate desire to be better. We find ourselves drawn to voices that speak to us, role models who, even virtually, help us live with more intention.

This is precisely what Parsha Emor is teaching. It presents the Kohanim as spiritual role models—those who represent the ideal in their service and way of life.

The Kohanim: The Holy Representative

Parshat Emor begins with the laws of the Kohanim. It explains what they must stay away from to keep their purity and to be eligible to serve in the Temple. To be a role model, one must live a life of discipline, maintain expectations, and preserve the sanctity of their relationships. A Kohen cannot have certain physical blemishes or engage in certain acts. He is considered the spiritual elite, a living model of holiness and purity.

But then the natural question arises: most of us are not Kohanim—so why do we need to read their laws? This is where the Torah reveals a deep truth. The “layman”—the regular person—is meant to learn from the behaviors, boundaries, and character of the Kohen. These elevated individuals awaken something within us, and we’re called to follow in their ways—not by copying them exactly, but by being inspired to elevate our own lives.

The Mirror Effect: What the Kohen Teaches the Layperson

The Kohanim serve as a mirror for each of us. Like Olympic athletes, we don’t need to become them to be inspired by their discipline and devotion. I’m not trying to be Esti Hamilton, but I am moved by her connection to Torah and her passion for mitzvot. Her life teaches me something. It motivates me. The Kohanim, with their sacred boundaries and laws, point us toward a spiritual path that we can all access in our own way.

The Torah states that a Kohen must not come into contact with the dead, except for close relatives. While we’re not bound by this law, it teaches a universal lesson: be mindful of what you expose yourself to—emotionally, spiritually, and mentally. What content are we consuming? What food are we putting into our bodies? Which conversations are we engaging in? Which thoughts occupy our minds? Just as the Kohen guards his purity, we too can choose to protect our inner world from negativity, gossip, or toxic influences.

The Torah then explains that the Kohen has boundaries in relationships—he cannot marry a divorcee or a convert. This can feel difficult to read, especially with modern sensibilities, but the Torah is making a symbolic point about purity and spiritual alignment. The Kohen’s relationships must reflect his sacred role. For us, this serves as a mirror: are the people closest to me aligned with my values? Do my relationships uplift or drain me? Are they helping me stay connected to Hashem? When we surround ourselves with people who reflect our spiritual aspirations, our lives naturally elevate.

Then comes the law that a Kohen with physical blemishes cannot serve in the Temple. I struggled with this one. It seemed like the Torah was asking for perfection—as if only those with perfect physical attributes are worthy of sacred service. But in writing this article, I began to see it differently. The Torah isn’t rejecting anyone’s worth. The blemished Kohen still belongs in the community. He simply doesn’t serve in that specific sacred role. Sacred work, like serving in the Temple, requires someone who represents wholeness in a symbolic sense. The message is: when we engage in holy work—whether it’s parenting, helping someone, or praying—we should strive to bring our full, wholehearted selves. It’s not about being flawless. It’s about showing up intentionally.

Holiness Is Who We Are Becoming

The Kohen doesn’t just do holy things—he is a holy person. We may not wear the garments of a Kohen or serve in the Temple, but we each have our own personal sanctuary: our homes, our words, our influence. I often think about this around the holidays. As women, we’re often consumed with preparing: cooking, cleaning, creating the atmosphere. We get very little time to sit and pray in shul. But then I remember the Kohen. He, too, was busy preparing. He made the space holy so others could connect. That’s what I’m doing. 

“I am the Kohen Gadol of my home.”

My behavior, my energy, my speech—they all affect the people I nourish: my husband, my children. I set the tone. And that’s sacred.

The Kohen teaches us that holiness is not only about what we do—it’s about who we are becoming. They represent the possibility within us.

I’m a fan of Esti Hamilton because she inspires me—and because she reflects what’s possible in me. The Olympic athlete shows us what’s physically possible. The Kohanim show us what’s spiritually possible.

“You may not serve at the altar, but your life is an altar.”

Through our actions, we can elevate our environment and the people around us. This week, let’s elevate just one area of our lives. Let’s live with more intention and more holiness. 

Integrate This Week

Torah isn’t meant to sit on the page—it’s meant to live in us. The Kohanim may have served in the Temple, but we serve in our homes, our words, and our relationships.

Guard one boundary: Whether it’s saying no to gossip, limiting social media, or taking a mindful pause before responding, protect your inner space like the Kohen guarded his purity.

Uplift one relationship: Reach out to someone you’ve grown distant from. Speak a kind word to your spouse, child, or friend. Compliment a friend in something you admire in them. Let someone know they are seen and valued.

Refine one behavior: Choose one area to bring more intention—whether it’s how you speak when stressed, how you prepare for Shabbat, or emptying toxic thoughts —aim for presence.