Over the past few weeks, our Torah readings have been about the children of Israel becoming freed from slavery in Egypt. As Jews, we often say that the Exodus is our “master narrative” because it is from this moment that our nation began to form. It is at this moment in our history that we as a people were asked to recognize and live out the privileges and responsibilities that come along with being a free nation. As we journeyed through the dessert and received the gift of the Torah, we were reminded continually to ensure that the widow, stranger, orphan, and the poor in general were treated with dignity, respect, and fairness.
This week, I have been keenly aware of the connection between our people’s entry into freedom, and the events in the world we live in right now. The celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, the inauguration of President Obama, and today’s elections in Israel are all reminders that we must take time to celebrate the blessings of freedom and democracy, and to remind ourselves of the responsibilities that come along with such blessings. As Americans and as Jews, in the United States and in Israel, we have a responsibility to work daily for the rights of those less fortunate. We have an obligation to pursue justice, to work for equality, and to protect freedom for all. From the ways we treat our neighbors, to larger communal or political involvement – this is our responsibility as the children of slaves who were freed from Egypt.
It is with all of this in mind that I invite you to look at the most current expression of freedom that, while happening far from here, affects all of us as a people: the elections happening in Israel today. It is my hope and prayer that whoever is elected will form a coalition that will keep in mind the values of freedom and justice central to what it means to be a part of the Jewish people. It is too early to comment on the results, so for now, I will simply be grateful for the freedom and responsibility that comes with living in a time where Jews can participate and lead in both American and Israeli societies.
For more on today’s elections, check out the following links:
How does Israel’s election process work?
What is the Israeli media saying about today’s election?
1. Haaretz