The words ring out again and again in the biblical account of the Exodus
story, as Moses repeatedly demands of the unrelenting Pharaoh that he grant the
Jewish people their freedom.
Actually, the precise words that Moses conveys to the stubborn
monarch in the name of G-d are, Shalach ami v'yaavduni,
"Let my people go that they may serve me."
It is interesting to see how some expressions and phrases become memorable
and popular, while others just don't seem to catch on. "Let My People Go" became
the theme song for the story of Egypt and the Exodus way beyond the Jewish
community. It has been used as a catchphrase for a variety of political causes.
Unfortunately, the last Hebrew word of the phrase somehow got lost in the shuffle:
V'yaavduni -- "that they may serve me" -- never quite made it to the top of
the charts. The drama of the Exodus captures our imagination, while the fact
that that the purpose of leaving Egypt was to go to Sinai, receive G-d's Torah
and fulfil Jewish destiny is less emphasized. The call to freedom excites the
human spirit; the challenge of service and commitment, however, doesn't seem to
elicit as much enthusiasm.
I remember back in the early 70's, when Jews the world over were
demonstrating for their oppressed brethren in the then Soviet Union, demanding
of the Russian government that they allow Jews the freedom to leave if they
wanted to, the rallying cry was "Let My People Go!" Sadly, they left out the
v'yaavduni - that they may serve Me. We were so concerned about political
liberties that we forgot a primary purpose of being free, namely to enjoy
religious freedom and live fulfilled Jewish lives.
Indeed, for so many of our Russian brethren, obtaining their exit visas and
acquiring freedom of movement did little to help them reclaim their spiritual
heritage and identity. Seventy years of organized atheism behind the Iron
Curtain left its toll. We are delighted that they can live in Israel (or
Brighton Beach) but the fact remains that far too many remain outside of the
Jewish community and its spiritual orbit.
In my own backyard, here in South Africa, this idea has become blatantly
obvious. We have now enjoyed ten years of democracy. There have been three free
and fair elections where all citizens have had the opportunity to cast their
ballots. It was a long, hard struggle, but political freedom has been achieved.
And yet, while confidence levels in our country's future are at an all time
high, millions of people living here are still suffering from the very same
hardships they endured under apartheid -- ignorance, poverty and poor health.
Nobel Peace Laureate Desmond Tutu recently castigated the country's black
leaders for allowing a situation where a small number of well-connected blacks
have become enriched while the masses remain impoverished. HIV/AIDS is still
public enemy number one and even the family members of some of the most high
profile political figures have succumbed to the deadly disease.
It is clear that political freedom minus spiritual purpose equals
disillusionment. Leaving Egypt without the vision of Sinai would be getting all
dressed up with nowhere to go. It is not enough to let our people go. We have to
take them somewhere. That they may serve Me means that we need to
use our political freedom to experience the freedom and fulfilment of faith and
a life of spiritual purpose dedicated to G-d's service.
LOGIN
ASK THE RABBI
