LEV900 Our Sages, z"l, said (Yerushalmi Nedarim 3:9) that the sin of desecrating Hashem's Name is greater than all other transgressions, and it cannot be atoned for through repentance and suffering, as will be explained in the Gate dealing with the different categories of atonement (See the Fourth Gate, paragraph 6). Our Sages, z"l, said (Kidushin 40a), "There is no delay of retribution for desecration of Hashem's Name, whether it be unintentional or deliberate." Now pause and reflect upon the great responsibility we have to sanctify His Name. For Hashem sanctified us through his Torah and mitzvos and set us apart as His nation for the primary purpose of sanctifying and fearing Him. It is only appropriate that His sanctifiers be holy, just as those vessels used for service before Hashem must be holy, as the pasuk says [this verse], "You must not desecrate My holy Name; I shall be sanctified among the Children of Yisrael, for I am Hashem Who sanctifies you" (Rabbeinu Yonah interprets the pasuk as follows: "You have a great responsibility to sanctify My Name, for that is the primary reason I sanctified you with Torah and mitzvos".)