At the end of Parshat Pinchas, we read about how we observe the chagim. From the outset, God makes it clear that creating kedusha requires that we do not perform mundane work, כָּל־מְלֶ֥אכֶת עֲבֹדָ֖ה לֹ֥א תַֽעֲשֽׂוּ (Bamidbar 28:18). Rashi explains this means, אפילו מלאכה הצריכה לכם, כגון דבר האבד, “even work that is needed, such as the prevention of loss,” is prohibited. Why is it essential that we refrain from mundane work-- even needed work-- in order to create holy time and space? The answer is that in relationships, holiness often comes from sacrifice. When we love another person, we are willing to give of ourselves and even make compromises in order to support him/her. This is like when a parent loves a child and is willing to sacrifice his/her needs in order to support the best interests of the child. Sacrificing-- giving for the sake of unending love-- is holy. God sacrifices for us all the time. As the Kabbalists say, from the beginning God contracted and limited Himself in order for us to exist with Him. On the chagim, we reciprocate this love to God by refraining even from that which we may think we need. We contract ourselves. Holy time and space are created when we see beyond our own needs and care for those of another person and of God.
