The Responsibility of Freedom

After over fifty years of persecution, Soviet Jews have come out whole in their Judaism and with children following in their ways. Having served G-d with such sacrifice for over a halfcentury, one might argue that they have done their fair share — now it’s time to relax a bit…

Our brethren still behind the Iron Curtain are watching closely how you conduct your lives in free lands, and particularly how you will educate your children. If fitting in to society becomes your main concern, and Judaism is relegated to second place, it will weaken their resolve. Additionally, if Soviet authorities see that your Jewish observance has fallen to the wayside once you have attained freedom, they will take the outcries against religious persecution even less seriously.

All three million Jews still trapped in Russia are looking to you. Their commitment to Judaism and their future depend on your example. With this in mind, you will surely find the strength to withstand the test of freedom…