Freedom to be with family

Saul Ephron, Grade 11, King David Victory Park

Freedom to be with family

After spending the past year merely being associated with family, Pesach offers me a much needed opportunity to spend time with the people I love, whether it be direct family or more distant relatives. Pesach is two nights of the year which act as glue for my family. During these two nights, I’m able to get a recap of my family’s lives such as what grade they are in, what subjects they take, or what they do for work.

However, on a deeper level, Pesach reminds me of many relevant Jewish values such as freedom. The story of the exodus is a story that resonates deeply with me, especially the Jewish nation’s journey to freedom. Living in the 21st century and being able to be proud of my religion and practise it freely are some of my greatest privileges. However, current events have put the Jewish nation as a whole in a predicament in terms of being able to practise religion freely without being judged or prosecuted.

Pesach is a time of the year where I can reflect on how the Jews persevered through hardship just to be a free nation and be Jewish. If Jews went to all of this effort just to practise their religion, it shows us that all the persecution we’re experiencing today shouldn’t stop us from being proud Jews, whether it be by practicing our religion or celebrating with our families on special chaggim such as Pesach.