Passover.

in jewish •  2 years ago 

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The notion of "equal individual freedom" is a very late arrival in human history. The notion of a natural hierarchy among humans is much more common. So, it is quite a challenge to figure out the relevance and applicability of Pesach (Passover) as a celebration of "freedom".

It celebrates the exodus from Egypt as an escape from slavery into "freedom" - the freedom of a nation. Where does individual freedom stand in this?

I recently heard a (Chassidic orthodox) rabbi address this. According to him, it behooves us to consider the biblical phrase connected to this - "I was a stranger in a strange land" - a phrase that appears surprisingly often in the bible. He suggested that Pesach has a universal message, one that applies to all of humanity. No one is to be considered "a lesser person" simply because they are "strange". Slavery, the absence of freedom, is the "" that has affected masses of people throughout history. As Jewish descendants of the exodus we are supposed to understand that, and remind ourselves of it.

I can buy that.

Chag Sameach Pesach whoever you are!!

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