On the Meaning of Freedom
Thoughts on the Fourth of July 2024
By Rabbi Boaz D. Heilman
Happy Fourth of July! An important date in American and world history. Unlike any other country in the world, this country was created upon a set of principles, based on the belief that all people are created equal. (A belief that Judaism already taught more than 3000 years earlier). Democracy as a social order is a working-out of this philosophy. It is far from perfect. On the one hand, democracy enables each of us to reach our potential and to participate in all aspects of life and society. Problem is, it doesn't always work out that way. Not everybody is given the same opportunities, and we know well the power that some groups have--and use--to suppress others groups. If power corrupts, then the distribution of power among some (but not all) corrupts exponentially. Still, through the years, this new nation has managed to live up to its principles. Not that the work is finished. We are the builders of the future, and our participation in American life and culture today is essential for generations to come. That's where the real power of democracy lies: in giving everyone a part to write and play in the story of life. And that's what America stands for today, and must remain for all time. The Statue of Liberty has always been not only a beacon of hope for many, but also symbol of a land that stands by and for the highest principles of humanity: justice and equality; dignity and respect.
This is the vision that today, possibly more than ever, we must continue working towards.
Happy birthday America, may you thrive and continue bearing the torch of liberty for all humanity.
© 2024 by Boaz D. Heilman
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