WORD ON THE STREET

What Does Freedom Mean to You?

Letting go of the past and living in the present. Freedom to me means forging a new way, trying to forget painful things that happened to me in childhood and early adulthood, and moving past it by living my best life. 

Y.B.

Sitting on the couch with my little ones deep in sleep on my lap. At that moment, all is peaceful in the word and within my soul.  I feel most tranquil and free during these times than any  other times I can think of.

Shoshi V.

Being financially stable. We are struggling with money right now and so my parents and in-laws are chipping in helping us monetarily. While we appreciate the assistance, it does make us feel childish and restricted. We have to get approval for any major buys, and we feel guilty for any extra purchases. I know when we are more financially stable, it will make us feel much freer.

G.F.

Freedom can only have one definition: Moshiach. When this galus will be over and we can continue our work in the Beis Hamikdash, then, and only then, can we be truly free. 

Avraham C.

Freedom means knowing that Hashem controls everything. Although life has a way of throwing us curve balls every now and then, the belief that Hashem is orchestrating everything for our own good is a very freeing feeling. I don’t have to worry and question why this and that is happening to me. I don’t have to be worried about turmoil in the news; Hashem is in charge of it all. This is very freeing!

Dovid Ratner

Freedom to me means self-confidence. Freedom is being your own person and not feeling chained to follow the whims of conforming and living up to your community’s standards. Everyone goes away for Pesach? Who cares?! Stay put and enjoy Pesach at home, if that’s what you want. All the kids have a cell phone? Good for them! Stand your ground and abide by your parenting principles. When you live your life with confidence, you are not a slave to others.

Meyer W.

Being a frum Jew makes me feel free. Our lifestyle, which is dictated by many commandments and restrictions actually frees us from falling into the traps of contemporary society. I know people who became less religious because they felt trapped by all the “rules,” but escapism doesn’t equal freedom. Not eating kosher, not keeping Shabbos, and doing what you want when you want will not make you free. Feeding your soul through a Torah lifestyle will give you real freedom.

Rosie Glick