“I love Passover because for me it is a cry against indifference, a cry for compassion” (Elie Wiesel).
For the last few months, the Torah portions we have been reading have focused on the Exodus from Egypt, and the Hebrew slaves escaping the oppression of the Pharaoh. Our celebration of Passover is the retelling of this story of the Israelites’ search for freedom. Though it is always a bit jarring to be reading these portions several months before Passover actually begins, it gives us time to start thinking about one of the most important Jewish holidays.
Throughout the Torah, and in all our services, there are repeated reminders of the Exodus, and we are encouraged to remember that we too were once slaves.
Having experienced thousands of years of persecution from oppressive regimes, Jews consistently support governments which enable freedom and democracy. Once Jewish refugees escaped totalitarian regimes throughout their history, they flourished under their newfound freedom. As a consequence, there is a tendency for Jews to inherently trust democratic governments, and they have been stalwart supporters of any people in the world who are struggling to achieve freedom.
Likewise, Jews know from their experiences the importance of fighting authoritarianism and totalitarianism whereever it may exist.
Though the story of Passover focuses on the quest for freedom, we are told to not just tell the story, but to actually “personalize the history: feel the feelings and experience the sensations of this journey” (Rabbi Ted Falcon, Judaism for Dummies).
This allows us to empathize with those who are oppressed because we are told, “you were once strangers in Egypt” (Exodus 22:20).
During the seven days of Passover, we are commanded to refrain from eating any leavened foods. (Exodus 12:14) Instead we eat matzah, a flat unleavened cracker, called the “bread of affliction.” We are told that in their haste to flee Egypt, the slaves had no time to let their bread rise. Thus, throughout Passover as we avoid food with any leavening, we are again reminded of the suffering endured by all who are oppressed.
Though we aren’t in danger of actually becoming slaves, Judaism teaches there are many ways we can be enslaved. We are encouraged to use Passover to think about how we can free ourselves from being trapped and controlled by emotions like anger, hatred, bigotry or fear. Or maybe we have become obsessed with wanting more money, material things or success. Thus, we can be slaves in many ways and become stuck in those behaviors. The Hebrew word for Egypt is mitzrayim, which means “a narrow place.” When we are mired in habits that control us, we are stuck in our own Egypt, our own narrow place, and we must work to free ourselves from this form of slavery.
The focus on the struggle for freedom for everyone permeates Jewish tradition, and consequently Jews are often heavily involved in causes throughout the world which fight for justice, freedom and democracy. Because we know what it’s like to live in a totalitarian society where we have often been specifically targeted for annihilation, we identify with the suffering under such regimes, and do what we can to help.
Jews understand the truth in Nelson Mandela’s words: “To be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.”
When our world seems to be in an existential struggle between democratic freedom and authoritarianism, the lessons of Passover can inspire. The image of the Israelite slaves rising up against the tyranny of the Pharaoh gives hope to those who seek freedom from repressive governments.
Rabbi Michael Strassfeld says, “Most of all, the Passover story is a story of change. The mighty power of Egypt is humbled. An enslaved people are freed. Once a year we remember that real change is possible and … we will emerge with the knowledge that change is within our grasp” (A Book of Life: Embracing Judaism As a Spiritual Practice).
I pray that the message of Passover spreads throughout our world and especially to the Ukrainian people.
May they find the strength to continue the fight for their freedom against a brutal tyrant.
Let us pray that hope and healing come to this courageous nation, and indeed to all the world.
Kein yehi ratzon … may it be God’s will. Shalom.
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Issues of Faith is a rotating column by religious leaders on the North Olympic Peninsula. Suzanne DeBey is a lay leader of the Port Angeles Jewish community. Her email is debeyfam@olympus.net.
