This year, along with Moreh Alan continuing to write the weekly D’var Torah, he will be inviting faculty and staff to contribute as well. This will provide a wonderful opportunity for our community to hear from and get to know more of our team. We hope you enjoy this new addition to our communications and the diverse perspectives it will bring.
About Morah Andrea:
Now in her 3rd year at Heschel, Andrea brings over 25 years of experience in early years education. As the Director of Early Years, she is passionate about watching children grow and inspiring young minds. Andrea finds great joy in offering support and encouragement to her fellow teachers, fostering a positive and nurturing environment for both students and educators alike.
This week, we explore Parashat Bo, the dramatic Torah portion that details the confrontation between Pharaoh and Moses, culminating in the final three plagues. Within this narrative lies one of the most powerful phrases in all of Jewish history—a phrase that has reverberated not only within our tradition but also in the broader cultural consciousness: “Shlach et ami”—Let My People Go.
The phrase “Let My People Go” carries profound significance, especially in the wake of the tragic events of October 7th. This demand, as Moses implores Pharaoh to release the Israelites, resonates deeply in times of oppression and the fight for freedom. Its power transcends history, echoing loudly in the current struggle for the justice and liberty of the hostages.
The story of Parashat Bo, with its vivid portrayal of the final three of the ten plagues and Pharaoh’s reluctant surrender after the death of his own son, highlights the severe costs of resisting justice and the lengths to which oppressors will go to cling to power. Ultimately, the Israelites’ release is a powerful symbol—not just of their own deliverance, but of a timeless, universal truth: every person has the inalienable right to freedom, dignity, and justice. This message continues to guide our resolve, as we demand the freedom and basic human rights of the hostages.
Our Midah Hashavua is “be grateful for your freedom.” What lessons can we derive from this Midah? How can we instill in our children the importance of being free and feeling free?
Teaching children about freedom is an essential part of their moral development. Understanding freedom helps children become responsible and mindful individuals, while also fostering respect for the rights of others.
Introducing the concept of freedom requires patience and care. By engaging in some of the following strategies, we can help children understand the value of freedom in a respectful and meaningful way:
- Engage children in open, age-appropriate discussions about the concept of freedom.
- Share stories and concrete examples that illustrate freedom in relatable ways, helping children visualize it in action.
- Use role-playing games where children can make choices independently, allowing them to experience the essence of freedom in a safe environment.
- Offer hands-on experiences that promote autonomy, such as involving them in decision-making during everyday tasks like meal preparation or caring for plants.
- Encourage children to express their thoughts and opinions on freedom, responding thoughtfully to their questions.
- Set a positive example by demonstrating respect for the freedom of others and exercising one’s own freedoms responsibly.
Both Rav Soloveitchik z”l and Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks z”l provide profound insights into the nature of freedom. Rav Soloveitchik teaches that freedom is not only a physical gift but a moral one, calling upon us to exercise our free will in alignment with our highest values. Choosing rightly every day reflects our spiritual responsibility.
Rabbi Sacks, with his focus on the “freedom of the mind,” highlights a deeper, intellectual aspect of liberty. True freedom allows us to think critically, challenge injustices, and shape our moral compass. This kind of freedom is not just essential for personal growth, but for building a just and compassionate society. In both views, freedom is an active, ongoing pursuit, not a mere abstract concept, and it demands reflection in both thought and action.
In the context of the current hostage situation, these insights on freedom urge us to recognize the importance of teaching our children that freedom is not only a right but also a responsibility. It is essential that we emphasize the value of respecting others’ rights as an integral part of exercising their own freedom. By instilling this understanding, we help our children grow into individuals who not only cherish their own rights but also uphold the rights and dignity of those around them. This balanced approach will surely foster a more just and compassionate society.
