PESACH, Day 1: QUOTES about SLAVERY and FREEDOM
(A community discussion led by Rabbi J.B. Sacks on April 6, 2023)
[NOTE: We took time together to ponder quotes about slavery and freedom to better think through all the ways that both are experienced in the world–physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Today we’ll focus on page 1 only. I will read each quote aloud slowly, since we sometimes hear things differently than when we read them to ourselves. As I read them, you are welcome to follow along on your handout, or just close your eyes and take these quotes in. Moreover, as I read them, please listen for what’s resonating for you right now, for your families or our synagogue, for Israel or for the world. However these quotes resonate with you may reveal a facet of the slavery/freedom dynamic.
So as I read these quotes, try to be in touch with what’s speaking to you, challenging you, guiding you, calling you. After I have read them all, I will invite you to react to one quote only, and explain how it speaks to you today.
So, get comfortable. Take a few deep breaths. Please listen with open hearts!
- Dr. Rachel Naomi Remen (b. 1938, Professor of Integrated Medicine)
The choice people have to make is never between slavery and freedom. We will always have to choose between slavery and the unknown.
- Rajneesh (1931-1990, Indian philosopher and mystic)
Love brings freedom. Loyalty brings slavery.
- Mishnah, Pirkei Avot 2:21
You are not obligated to complete the work,
but neither are you free to desist from it.
George Orwell (pen name of Eric Arthur Blair, 1903-1950, novelist)
Freedom is the right to tell people what they do not want to hear.
Rabbi Sharon Brous (b. 1973, founder and leader of IKAR)
The idea that it’s possible to move from slavery to freedom and from darkness to light and from despair to hope–
that is the greatest Jewish story every told.”
Bob Dylan (b. 1941, songwriter)
No one is free; even the birds are chained to the sky.
Prince (1958-2016, singer-songwriter)
Too much freedom can lead to the soul’s decay.
Danish proverb
Better to be a free bird than a captive king.
Which quote was most interesting to you or most touched you, or was most relevant, or was most surprising, as I read it? Please do not just give us a quote number or author. Rather, please explain what the quote means to you or how it is speaking to you at this time.
(Full discussion ensued.)
Please use these quotes to have a discussion at your Pesach tables with family or friends. You might even consider using a couple of these at your Seder table to promote discussion, as this discussion starter can help gather in the wisdom that everyone contains.
Thank you all for your participation. I know I gained so much.
Chag samei-ach! A zissen Pesach. A joyful and meaningful Passover to all of you!