MANY OF us are familiar with the popular line : “ Let my people go ” taken from the song , Go Down Moses . This line has become a widespread catchphrase referring to the Exodus from Egypt , especially around this time of year , Pesach , when the Exodus is commemorated .
FREEDOM
THE DUTY OF FREEDOM
THE CONCEPT OF TORAH-BASED FREEDOM CALLS INDIVIDUALS TO ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR ACTIONS RAV DORON CHITIZ
MANY OF us are familiar with the popular line : “ Let my people go ” taken from the song , Go Down Moses . This line has become a widespread catchphrase referring to the Exodus from Egypt , especially around this time of year , Pesach , when the Exodus is commemorated .
The words are a translation from the Hebrew “ shalach et ami ”, and originate from Exodus 7:26 , whereby G-d instructs Moshe to approach Pharaoh and demand that he allow the Jewish nation to leave Egypt . However , this is only part of the message . The popular phrase of “ let my people go ” omits a very important last word – “ veya ’ avduni ” – translated as : “ And they shall worship Me .” Although this last word leaves the phrase considerably less catchy ( presumably why it was left out of the popular song ), it is crucial to both the Exodus narrative and to our understanding of freedom .
The definition of freedom in Judaism differs significantly from the accepted notion of freedom that is prevalent in Western society . The phrase : “ Serve no master but yourself ” implies that in order to be truly free , one must rid oneself of every master , every obligation to another , and any form of higher power .
Total , absolute freedom is about being able to achieve your every whim and desire , at any time . However , the concept of freedom in Judaism subscribes to an entirely different notion . In Judaism , freedom brings with it a duty , one which calls the individual to be responsible over his actions .
According to Rav Soloveichik , one of the intrinsic definitions of a free man is his ability to experience time , and be in control of his own time . This explains the reason behind the first commandment the Jewish nation received during the Exodus from Egypt – the commandment to sanctify the month . This was meant to help them transform from their lives of slavery to the life of a free nation .
Rav Avraham Yitzchak HaKohen Kook states the difference between a slave and a free person is not merely a matter of social position . We can find an
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