“I love Passover because for me it is a cry against indifference, a cry for compassion.” (Elie Wiesel)
Pesach (Passover) in 2021 is, in my lifetime, probably the most poignant in terms of considering the themes of freedom and release from oppression.
Our challenging year, defined and shaped by the Covid pandemic has been my first experience of the restriction of freedoms. Not able to visit my parents, nor go to comfort a friend who has suffered bereavement, nor join with fellow sports fans to enjoy a great moment. From the trivial to the most solemn, we have been unable to perform so many actions that, in normal times, we take for granted.
Whilst in no way comparing my restricted life to any form of slavery – be that historical or modern-day – it has, at least, given me pause for thought as to what freedom really means. And its value.
“Sharing food is the first act through which slaves become free human beings. One who fears tomorrow does not offer his bread to others. But one who is willing to divide his food with a stranger has already shown himself capable of fellowship and faith, the two things from which hope is born. That is why we begin the seder by inviting others to join us. That is how we turn affliction into freedom.” (Rabbi Jonathan Sacks)
Whilst we will not be able to conduct our seder meal with the usual large gatherings, it is unsurprising that many of us look forward most to sharing a meal together once our restrictions are eased. As the late Rabbi Sacks observes, the symbolism of joining together to eat is almost an imperative in expressing our humanity and freedom.
His words, as ever, are multi-layered and remind us also of our obligation to ‘the stranger’, rooted in an ancient Biblical commandment:
“You shall not oppress a stranger, since you yourselves know the feelings of a stranger, for you also were strangers in the land of Egypt.” (Exodus 23:9)
Of course we must remember that the term ‘stranger’ should not be taken too literally. It refers to anyone who is living as an outsider – perhaps due to poverty, disability, discrimination. An obligation on each of us to reach out to those who experience restrictions upon their freedom on a daily basis. An obligation to work tirelessly towards freedom for all of society.
Surely, it is no coincidence that there is a commandment to teach the message of liberation to our children at the seder table. To ensure that each generation (L’dor va’dor) continues the struggle against oppression.
And we are expected to go further than simply ‘telling’ the story. We should put ourselves in the mindset as though we had, ourselves, been released from the slavery in Egypt.
Why? Clearly this is the Jewish tradition exhorting us to have empathy. Empathy with every person who has ever experienced and lived through persecution. From our forebears in Egypt, through the genocides of the Crusades to the evil of the Nazis.
But, as Rabbi Sacks rightly reminded us, also empathy with ‘the stranger’. Jews have a proud tradition of standing up for the rights and freedoms of others, playing prominent roles in the anti-apartheid movement, the union movement, the development of rights-based law whilst also leading in charitable and philanthropic activities.
FaithWorks aims to ensure that all our faith communities are acting upon this imperative. It is incumbent upon us all to:
- Challenge any prejudice, stigma or discrimination that impinges upon the freedoms of people within our community due to sexuality, HIV status or any other aspect of their character and identity
- Teach our communities about HIV, sexual health and diversity in order that they too will provide for greater freedoms of all
- Have empathy and compassion for every member of our communities and society
Join with us to work towards the eternal Pesach message of liberation. Get in touch with us and we look forward to working with your community in achieving freedom for all.
David Cline - Interim Project Lead