6 April 2012 · A sentence from the teachings of Rav Kook

„The difference between the slave and the free man is not merely a dif…”

„The difference between the slave and the free man is not merely a difference of status — that this one happens to be subjugated to another, and that one is not subjugated. We can find an enlightened slave whose spirit is full of freedom, and the reverse — a free man whose spirit is the spirit of a slave. Essential freedom is that lofty spirit by which a person, and likewise the nation as a whole, is elevated to be faithful to its inner selfhood, to the spiritual character of the image of God within it; and with such a character it is possible for him to sense his life as purposeful life that is worthy of its value. This is not so for the one possessed of the spirit of slavery, for whom the content of his life and his feeling never shine forth with his own essential spiritual character, but only with what is good and beautiful in the eyes of the other who rules over him with some sort of rule.”From Ma'amarei HaRe'iyah, "Cheiruteinu u'Vi'ur Chametz" (Our Freedom and the Removal of Leaven)

Slavery is primarily a state of mind, and it depends on us, on each one of us. When we are enslaved to something in our souls, we are like slaves. The enslavement can be to food, to fashion, to finding favor in the eyes of others, to cleanliness, to work, and in general to all sorts of external things that rule over us.

On this eve of Passover we are meant to remind ourselves that we are in our own possession, that the Torah gives us choice and freedom and the ability to choose the correct path. The ability to be faithful to ourselves and not to be like a driven leaf that follows the mood of those around it and its surroundings.

Toward Passover let us pray that we may merit freedom and be worthy of freedom. May we merit to remove all the inner leaven within us, to be joyful and lovers of God.

The page is going on vacation for a few days. A kosher and happy Passover to all!

For the recovery of Roza bat Bova.

Choice
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From the community archive of Mishpetei HaRav Kook — studying Rav Kook's teachings since 2011.