A Passover Message from Jen Evans

As Passover is upon us, I have been reflecting on what freedom means to me. Freedom is a powerful word. It can mean different things to different people. To me, freedom is the right to speak out, think for yourself and stand up for your convictions. In a nutshell, to express yourself without persecution.

So, what frees me? In the past 15 years or more it has been freeing for me to stand up for myself and truly commit to my beliefs. I have instilled this in my 19- and 20-year-old college children. My son “beats to his own drum” and my daughter is an advocate for justice and is an organizer of this year’s Athens Human Rights Festival.

How proud I am that they are free to be able to express themselves and stand up for what they believe in, as well as stand up for those who may not have a voice. I have taught them how to stand up for themselves and express who they are and what they feel by leading by example. I love watching who they are becoming as adults.

Love also frees me. Love for my children, family and friends. Love of my job, my home and my life. It freeing to be able to make my way in the world on my own. Love, sticking to my convictions and beliefs – these are freeing to me.

Chag sameach!

Jen Evans is the community relations director.

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