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April 29, 2005/Nisan 20 5765, Volume 57, No. 35
Free at last
Torah study
RABBI IRWIN WIENER
Passover
Four weeks after Purim, we celebrate Passover. Purim deals with our self-reliance, while Passover concentrates on our responsibility to a higher authority.
God is not mentioned once in the Book of Esther (the Megillah), to teach that human beings have an obligation to work together for the benefit of the whole.
Conversely, God is the dominant figure in the story of the Exodus (the Haggadah) from Egypt, to teach that our destiny would be meaningless without its spiritual ramifications.
The connection is that while we are duty-bound to concern ourselves with each other's welfare, we are also required to realize that without moral teachings and their application, our actions would be an exercise in futility.
How do we accomplish both? Primarily, we are taught that through charitable endeavors we can and will make a difference. We have been in the forefront of reaching out to assist those in need. We respond when tragedy and misfortune affect the lives of countless people. We extend our hand to the poor. We take our civic responsibility seriously and get involved for the betterment of society.
Freedom means many things. Our connection to humanity's survival has been part of our understanding of the divine purpose. Freedom from want, freedom from fear and despair, freedom from control of thought - these all help us make the effort needed for a meaningful life.
One thing we learn from Passover is that we do not rejoice at the misery of others. The Midrash tells us that when the hosts of Pharaoh were drowning in the Sea of Reeds after the Israelites successfully crossed through the dry land surrounded by walls of water, the angels were overjoyed at this miracle of survival. God rebuked them, saying that although they had been witness to a great happening, they should not completely enjoy the moment but pause to consider that the Egyptians, also being children of God, were dying.
Passover reminds us of redemption. Passover instructs us to be mindful of human suffering and the need to allow others to enjoy freedom. Passover encourages us to remove the blinders that limit our thoughts. Passover requires us to ensure freedom for all yearning to breathe it in and feel secure.
As we begin a new season, perhaps we, as a people, will continue to find our experiences rewarding, enabling us to reach even greater heights in our expressions of life's greatest pleasures. Then, while we may not be able to fully understand our connection with God, we certainly will know that God loves us and will watch over us as we continue life's journey.
And finally, redemption as represented by the Passover experience will occur:
When senseless hatred will not rule the earth.
When we are able to pray for an end to wickedness in our lives and in the world.
When love and justice will be the standards we live by.
When people reveal their faces to each other and toward heaven.
When Isaac and Ishmael, Jacob and Esau will embrace.
When the message of freedom, which is eternal, will resonate with all the inhabitants of this tiny planet so that all of God's children will no longer live in fear of one another.
May God lead our nation safely through the raging storm onto the path of peace and security. May all people dwell in safety and enjoy the fruits of their labor in goodwill and brotherhood. May God watch over our servicemen and servicewomen and guide our leaders. And for Your sake and the sake of all humankind, help us stop the evil that surrounds us in our day and for all time.
Then we can all say, with one voice, "Free at last, free at last. Thank God Almighty we are free at last."
Rabbi Irwin Wiener is the spiritual leader of the Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation.
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