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What is Freedom?

Passover tableEvery spring Jews celebrate the holiday of freedom, Passover. There is an obvious paradox on Passover–for eight days we have more restrictions than the rest of the year. On the Seder night, we don’t talk about whatever we want. We follow a prescribed text. We don’t eat what we want. In fact, we don’t get to eat for a quite a while. And when we do, it’s parsley with saltwater, horseradish, and some really stale, flat, cardboard-like cracker called matzah.

What is the connection between restrictions and freedom? Why do we celebrate a holiday that commemorates the Jews’ liberation from slavery by invoking all sorts of rules and regulations?
It goes without saying that there are rules we agree to live by. What is one of the first words a young child learns? “No!” Adolescents are surely tired of hearing “No alcohol, no drugs, and be home by 11:00.” And while we are blessed not to be living in a totalitarian state, we agree to stop at red lights, refrain from stealing our neighbor’s car, and don’t practice medicine without a license.

Even Libertarians will agree that freedom has limitations.





There have been numerous studies on what makes people happy—family, community and a stable job, or sex, drugs and rock and roll? The data is both consistent and, to some, surprising. People who live a committed lifestyle, whose lives are restricted by their devotion to loved ones and community, are happier than the personal freedom seekers who want it all now and don’t want to be tied down.
I think that the people who describe themselves as “happy” would probably describe that happiness as a deep joy, satisfaction and meaning in their lives. And I believe that equates with the freedom we experience when we discipline our actions, which allows us to express something deeper than superficial material desires.

I’m speaking to a deeper freedom.

What is its connection with that deep joy? What is the freedom observant Jews feel on the Sabbath when they honor the commandment to rest on the seventh day? When they can’t turn on lights, drive a car, or watch TV?




About Dan Kinderlehrer

President, Kehilot Aish Kodesh.

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