Rabbi Irwin Huberman
In 1984, pop star Madonna released a song reflecting society’s obsession with the worship of physicality.
In her song, Material Girl, she declared, “We are living in a material world.”
And this trend has continued to grow.
It is also a theme, which -- in many ways -- rests at the core of the Jewish festival of Passover that began Wednesday evening.
For most who attended Hebrew school or those who explored the Passover narrativbe in Sunday school, the story appears straightforward:
The Israelite slaves were liberated from Egypt, and because they were in a hurry to outrun Pharaoh’s pursuing army, they didn’t have enough time to let their bread rise.
Hence, Jewish law dictates that we refrain from eating “chametz” or leaven throughout the holiday.
But -- as our ancient rabbis taught, -- to truly embrace the spiritual aspect of Passover, we need to reach back and examine exactly what the Israelites were escaping from.
The Egyptians worshipped physical gods. There were gods that governed the Nile River, others that controlled fertility. There were gods of the sun, medicine, and environment, among many others. Pharaoh believed he was a god.
These deities were often represented by physical entities, such as crocodiles, geese, cows, dogs, and frogs.
But through the Ten Plagues, a message was sent to the Egyptians and, by extension, across future generations: There is only one transcendent God that embodies justice, fairness, and unity.
So, if -- as many scholars suggest -- the Ten Plagues represented an assault of physicality, is there a connection with today’s world?
So many these days have become obsessed by gossip, superficiality, and the pursuit of pleasure, often delivered through technology -- especially social media.
It begs us to reflect upon the plagues – too often unchecked -- that afflict our lives today. They include racism, hunger, homelessness, environmental degradation, and indifference to suffering.
Indeed, Passover inspires us to consider, “What are today’s plagues?”
And perhaps more importantly, “What are their antidotes?”
At our Seders, rather than merely recount the traditional Passover story, the festival beckons us to include additional readings and props to inspire all those assembled – especially children – what freedom truly means, and to consider today who remains enslaved.
During this time of renewal across many religious platforms, let us consider the true meaning of freedom.
Let us reflect upon the state of the world around us and even consider the opinions of others with whom we may not agree. Let us flatten our souls like a piece of matzah.
For while the world presents us with so many accessible avenues towards pleasure, these do not lead us toward true freedom.
Rather, let us break free from the material world, and pursue what we truly desire during these troubled times.
It is freedom and peace for all -- and for each of us, a life of meaning.
Rabbi Irwin Huberman is the spiritual leader of Congregation Tifereth Israel, serving Glen Cove, Sea Cliff and surrounding area.
