A Passover Message from Sonia Field
The difference between enslavement and freedom has become such a hazy transitional space that we often don’t realize where on the spectrum we stand.
The difference between enslavement and freedom has become such a hazy transitional space that we often don’t realize where on the spectrum we stand. We think we are free because we can do a, b and c, yet we feel enslaved because of x, y and z.
This spectrum, however, has nothing to do with the actual demands of life; it is solely dependent on our mindset and our values. Jewish tradition teaches that true freedom is the ability to express who we really are. This ability of self-expression originates from within and is not a result of any outside influences.
Humans were created and enabled to adapt to our surroundings to ensure physical survival; however, the way we adapt is up to us. Do we sacrifice our Judaism with hopes of “easier” survival, or do we fully embrace our Judaism with the realization that sacrificing it is not required after all?
When I began working for the Atlanta Jewish Times, I came to appreciate Jewish Atlanta as our ideal niche. I also came to recognize that it isn’t the city itself, rather, it is the members of our tribe who live freely among us. Working alongside a team of people who celebrate freedom every day makes being free that much sweeter. Wishing everyone a koshern un freilichen Pesach, a kosher and joyous Passover, and may we all merit to experience the truest freedom now!
Sonia Field is the community liaison.
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