EDITORIAL HAPPY PASSOVER WHAT IT MEANS TO BE FREE.Sundown this evening marks the beginning of Passover Passover, in Judaism, one of the most important and elaborate of religious festivals. Its celebration begins on the evening of the 14th of Nisan (first month of the religious calendar, corresponding to March–April) and lasts seven days in Israel, eight days in the Diaspora (although Reform Jews observe a seven-day period)., the eight days during which Jews remember the Exodus from Egypt and their freedom. For Jews, Passover is a time of family togetherness and celebration, and for everyone, it's a good opportunity for reflection. "Freedom" may be the most politically overused, and sometimes abused, word in the English language. Partisans of all kinds like to scare up voters by warning that the other side is secretly scheming to take their freedoms away. Yet when we look at real oppression - such as the slavery the Israelites experienced in Egypt, or countless other examples in our world today - we get a healthier perspective. Those of us fortunate enough to live in this city and country at this time enjoy a level of freedom virtually unprecedented in history and unrivaled in this world. The occasion of this ancient commemoration should be a time of gratitude for us all. Happy Passover. |
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