Why Should I Care About Ancient Slaves Who Went Free? - An honest reflection on Passover's relevance 3,000 years later

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Why Should I Care About Ancient Slaves Who Went Free?: An honest reflection on Passover's relevance 3,000 years later

A short and powerful message on the Festival of Freedom’s profound meaning to us today.

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Yisroel Glick is a father, and a student of Torah and of life. Fascinated by the sciences and medicine, he also enjoys documenting the beauty of nature with his cameras, but his true passion is making Jewish mysticism accessible, teaching it in a way that actually introduces change into listeners’ lives. For more, visit his website.

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6 Comments

Sylvia Reznick Hewlett NY April 19, 2022

Several years ago the NY Metropolitan Museum had the King Tut exhibit. It was all very interesting. We were there as a private group and an Egyptian docent who was very knowledgeable - there was a smaller exhibit which showed a model of how the people who were building the pyramids lived.
I “big mouth” lol asked “where did the Hebrew slaves live” - the docent got really po’d and literally screamed “there were no slaves it’s a fallacy” …. We know the truth right?
A little round of applause for me from the rest of our Jewish group😃 Reply

Jody Salstein April 18, 2022

I’d rather be a paid laborer than a slave.The thing I like about it is that we can question even words and still remain a Jew. Signed, Tilesetters daughter. Reply

Anonymous FC April 29, 2016

Not slaves Where in the Torah, in Hebrew, does it say that the Israelites living in Egypt were slaves?

It doesn't. The fact of the matter is that it says that they were "laborers". A laborer is paid wages for their work, a slave is not. Historical records prove that the Egyptian Israelites were treated far better than the average Egyptian citizen.

So what is this all about really? We were used to being our own bosses and running our own operations. Being a common laborer, or even in this day and age a common office person, is demeaning to the soul and takes freedom away from us on many, many levels.

Just clarifying the facts for you... Reply

Zalmen Israel April 11, 2020

in response to Anonymous:

Thanks, but I'm just wondering based on what verses you decided they were Laborers and not Slaves?
Beware, in Hebrew the word "eved", "avodah" can mean paid and un-paid labor :)

Oh, and I'm sure you are aware of Exodus 1:8-22 - 2:23 - 3:7-10 - Entire Chapter 5...

Ok, feel stupid even answering as nobody bothered for 4 years for the obvious reason arrogant ignorance should not be paid so much attention...

Oh, and Btw, don't know what Historical Records you based yourself off, but I learned already in elementary school that Oral Tradition is one of the very strong History basis, so go ahead and break the chain of tradition of 3,300 years of every-year Passover celebration from freedom of *Egypt Slavery* Reply

Joyce Rodrigues April 27, 2016

Muito Bom!!!Rabino. Reply

Zalman pa April 21, 2016

Yasher Koach Thanks for your clear and honest explanation on this well known (tot me) topic!!!! Reply