In the introductory words to the Hagaddah we mention that we are currently slaves. Is that really true? We are no longer subject to the legendary tyrannical poritz of the shtetel. There is a Jewish government in Israel. Why are we calling ourselves slaves?
The answer is that slavery as well as freedom comes in many forms. In recent generations we have, thank God, left the difficult places of exile, and are no longer subject to the pogroms that we endured for 2,000 years. But we are not yet in a state of rest and peace. Slavery is not just to external masters; it can also be internal. Being subject to the dictates of others, involvement in activities or attitudes that minimize one's spirit and self-esteem. Jealousy and fighting are rulers over a person.
The complete redemption for which we hope incorporates a world of love and pleasantness, of brotherhood and trust. No locks or chains. All people will treat each other as family. The forces of destruction, petty pursuits, theft and embezzlement, and miserliness will melt in the face of an abundance of love and understanding. It will be a world filled with smiles, filled with song, and feelings of generosity. As long as their are still high walls between families and people's hearts, if there is distance and coldness between people, then we are still slaves with heavy chains on our souls which are filled with love, shining faces and integrity.
Yes, we are still slaves. But this is not a thought that should fill us with despair, but one which points to the deficiencies of the present with an eye to the belief that change is coming. If we withstood Paroh, we can withstand this The experience of leaving Egypt fills us with hope, and even an expectation, that we will overcome the present challenges as well and build a world in which is filled with peace and song.
הגדה
The answer is that slavery as well as freedom comes in many forms. In recent generations we have, thank God, left the difficult places of exile, and are no longer subject to the pogroms that we endured for 2,000 years. But we are not yet in a state of rest and peace. Slavery is not just to external masters; it can also be internal. Being subject to the dictates of others, involvement in activities or attitudes that minimize one's spirit and self-esteem. Jealousy and fighting are rulers over a person.
The complete redemption for which we hope incorporates a world of love and pleasantness, of brotherhood and trust. No locks or chains. All people will treat each other as family. The forces of destruction, petty pursuits, theft and embezzlement, and miserliness will melt in the face of an abundance of love and understanding. It will be a world filled with smiles, filled with song, and feelings of generosity. As long as their are still high walls between families and people's hearts, if there is distance and coldness between people, then we are still slaves with heavy chains on our souls which are filled with love, shining faces and integrity.
Yes, we are still slaves. But this is not a thought that should fill us with despair, but one which points to the deficiencies of the present with an eye to the belief that change is coming. If we withstood Paroh, we can withstand this The experience of leaving Egypt fills us with hope, and even an expectation, that we will overcome the present challenges as well and build a world in which is filled with peace and song.
הגדה
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