Thought for Pesach

by Rabbi Aaron Goldstein

This Shabbat coincides with the last day of Pesach. I will be in Leicester and with Pesach having heralded Spring to the UK, I will not need to be concerned with whether I with find dry patches on the road, as I have had to be for much of 2008. However, I will be rehearsing in my head Shirat ha'yam (Exodus 15) - the Song at the Sea - that we are told Moses, Miriam and all the Israelites sung when they gained their freedom as the waters engulfed the Egyptian army.

Having lived my life with no fear for my own personal freedom, I have always been taken by the midrash which quotes the angels asking God's permission to sing along with the Israelites in joy at their freedom. God admonishes them and asks the angels why they would want to sing when God's creatures are drowning in the sea. This all seems a wonderful thought for a Liberal Jew.

However, I am humbled by those who have known true fear for their life, discrimination and oppression. They are there to remind me of the preciousness of freedom. Just take a moment to consider what we would lose without it. Perhaps when we fully appreciate our own freedom, we will be in a better place to help others gain theirs.

Let us thank God for our freedom and pray for those who are still fettered.

Rabbi Aaron Goldstein

Northwood and Pinner Liberal Synagogue