Defining Chilul Hashem

Another lesson to be learned from the thirty-sixth chapter of Yechezkel is the definition of Kiddush Hashem, and Chilul Hashem, the sanctification and desecration of G-d’s name.

It is our duty to always act in a way that sanctifies Hashem. We do this by conducting ourselves in an exemplary fashion, where people are able to see us as being true servants of Hashem that make Him proud.

There is, however, another kind of Kiddush and Chilul Hashem that affects us on a national level. We are capable of making G-d look great or, G-d forbid, weak.

This is dependent on how we look in the eyes of the nations of the world. They are all aware that there is a special destiny for the Jewish people. There is also an awareness of the rebuilding of the Third Commonwealth and the Beit Hamikdash. When they see Jews living outside of their chosen land, they conclude that maybe the G-d of the Jewish people has a problem, for how can it be, as the prophet says, “These are the nation of G-d? What are they doing outside of their land?” This is a desecration of Hashem’s Name. The very presence of a Jew in the exile, is a Chilul Hashem. Therefore, the time will come, and we are living it today, where Hashem says that there must be an end to this Chilul Hashem.

For this reason, the House of Israel will be rebuilt when Jews from all over the world will come home. The State of Israel is Kiddush Hashem. The desolate cities filled with people, the land again producing in abundance, are all clear signs that Hashem is great and His Name is great. We no longer can be seen as abandoned and rejected. Miraculously, Hashem decided that there must be an end to our humiliation and His. He created the Jewish State to bring glory to His holy name and his holy people. We must know this and show gratitude. Am Yisrael Chai!