Those of us that profess our religion and do not hide from it are currently in exile while living in a secular world, and if our society does not change, we will soon start to lose our sense of what freedom means! The observance of Passover by the Jewish people in sometimes horrible situations conveys that faith in freedom is worth sacrifice. Yeonmi did not understand what freedom truly meant but knew that it was important enough to risk her life to obtain. Let us bring about a new Exodus and sing the virtues of freedom. God bless, Yeonmi, for giving us an inspirational example!
This is so great, Bari. Though I'm not Jewish, I can appreciate the work that goes into keeping the tenets of your religion alive. And Yeonmi's story, while heartbreaking, is ultimately a reminder of the virtues we have in the West--many of which we seem all too eager to throw away these days.
This work is so touching. Meaningful is the word that rings true. Humans
struggle, honestly and sharing. I consider myself fortunate have grown up around many Jewish families.
Families that recognize the struggle of their ancestors and relay that struggle with great honestly. They share pain and a desire to raise above it, so that future generations can learn and benefit. They give their pain so that others my learn. Thank you for sharing your story and the story of others. This is what makes us all ONE, human.
Thanks for sharing Yeonmi Park’s story, and the writing of Rabbi Sacks. As an Orthodox Christian in the early weeks of Great Lent, the first was a profound reminder that giving up specific foods really isn’t that big of an ask; the second was a profound reminder of what true freedom is, in God’s eyes. It renews my commitment to take more seriously why we fast and the other acts of sacrifice during this sacred time — to get closer to God so I can be a better human, less self-absorbed and more willing and able to reach out to those in need.
I am so glad you shared this story just before Passover. We used it as an opportunity to discuss the meaning of freedom at the end of our Seder. The children may have been a little too young understand but I hope some strands of it will marinate and eventually sink in. The meaning that you refer to that is the great responsibility we have with our freedom. Thank you again for giving us something extremely important to think about and discuss as a family. Chag Sameach!
This might have been understood by Jews only but you have beautifully sewn the thread to connect all of humanity. The soul of all humans longs to be free but humanity is infested by those who seek power - those who are able to leverage power by a variety of means to suppress our freedom to be. Whether it is the naked evil of N. Korean dictators or the more subtle suppression of our freedom by sociopathic politicians and dare I say it.... the mob, the struggle is ages old and never ceases.
As someone who isn’t Jewish, I gained a much greater understanding of and appreciation for Passover from Leon Kass’s new book “Founding God’s Nation: Reading Exidus.”
In return, I offer this wonderful Passover musical video celebrating the work of the late, great Debbie Friedman. It will make you smile! (Plus my wife conceived of it and helped direct it every step of the way)
Wow! Thank you for your article. I have been thinking about it all weekend. Thank you for helping me better understand this time of year for my Jewish friends. God bless you!
Those of us that profess our religion and do not hide from it are currently in exile while living in a secular world, and if our society does not change, we will soon start to lose our sense of what freedom means! The observance of Passover by the Jewish people in sometimes horrible situations conveys that faith in freedom is worth sacrifice. Yeonmi did not understand what freedom truly meant but knew that it was important enough to risk her life to obtain. Let us bring about a new Exodus and sing the virtues of freedom. God bless, Yeonmi, for giving us an inspirational example!
This is so great, Bari. Though I'm not Jewish, I can appreciate the work that goes into keeping the tenets of your religion alive. And Yeonmi's story, while heartbreaking, is ultimately a reminder of the virtues we have in the West--many of which we seem all too eager to throw away these days.
This work is so touching. Meaningful is the word that rings true. Humans
struggle, honestly and sharing. I consider myself fortunate have grown up around many Jewish families.
Families that recognize the struggle of their ancestors and relay that struggle with great honestly. They share pain and a desire to raise above it, so that future generations can learn and benefit. They give their pain so that others my learn. Thank you for sharing your story and the story of others. This is what makes us all ONE, human.
*** I said freedom was painful and confusing. I think they were expecting me to say freedom was awesome.” ***
This reminds me of Ayaan Hirsi Ali.
Thanks for sharing Yeonmi Park’s story, and the writing of Rabbi Sacks. As an Orthodox Christian in the early weeks of Great Lent, the first was a profound reminder that giving up specific foods really isn’t that big of an ask; the second was a profound reminder of what true freedom is, in God’s eyes. It renews my commitment to take more seriously why we fast and the other acts of sacrifice during this sacred time — to get closer to God so I can be a better human, less self-absorbed and more willing and able to reach out to those in need.
I am so glad you shared this story just before Passover. We used it as an opportunity to discuss the meaning of freedom at the end of our Seder. The children may have been a little too young understand but I hope some strands of it will marinate and eventually sink in. The meaning that you refer to that is the great responsibility we have with our freedom. Thank you again for giving us something extremely important to think about and discuss as a family. Chag Sameach!
Every time. You and your guest writers pull at my heartstrings. This was truly a perfect Pesach story. Chag Sameach!
This might have been understood by Jews only but you have beautifully sewn the thread to connect all of humanity. The soul of all humans longs to be free but humanity is infested by those who seek power - those who are able to leverage power by a variety of means to suppress our freedom to be. Whether it is the naked evil of N. Korean dictators or the more subtle suppression of our freedom by sociopathic politicians and dare I say it.... the mob, the struggle is ages old and never ceases.
Beautiful. Thank you
The Passover story is so fascinating. Thanks for the insight on how it is a challenge to go from slave to free.
As someone who isn’t Jewish, I gained a much greater understanding of and appreciation for Passover from Leon Kass’s new book “Founding God’s Nation: Reading Exidus.”
Thank you for this inspirational post.
In return, I offer this wonderful Passover musical video celebrating the work of the late, great Debbie Friedman. It will make you smile! (Plus my wife conceived of it and helped direct it every step of the way)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23R1JT5ywG0
•proof reading is not my strength •may•
The debt we owe the people of the Covenant of the one true God is immense.
Wow! Thank you for your article. I have been thinking about it all weekend. Thank you for helping me better understand this time of year for my Jewish friends. God bless you!
Thank you for this article. My grandparents were Jewish, and we have records of their faith.
And thanks to all for the fine comments.