Freedom—and all of its powerful connotations—is a core American value that we celebrate on July 4, Independence Day. This year, in these turbulent times marked by the Covid-19 pandemic and the worldwide protests triggered by the murder of George Floyd, many of us are reflecting more deeply on what freedom means in our lives.
Personally, I am drawn to reflect on the famous 1943 paintings by Norman Rockwell— The Four Freedoms. These paintings depict the artist’s interpretation of those freedoms that President Franklin D. Roosevelt spoke about so eloquently in his 1941 State of the Union address. These freedoms are: The Freedom of Speech, The Freedom of Religion, The Freedom from Want, and The Freedom from Fear.
As Americans and Jews, we should appreciate these essential freedoms and ensure that all of us are able to enjoy them equally. At the core of our democracy is the freedom of speech. The ability to voice one’s opinion publicly is crucial to a vibrant and flourishing America. Infringing on this essential right can have unintended consequences that can jeopardize that democracy. Unfortunately, in the current polarized political environment, freedom of speech and an independent press is often being challenged. Our Jewish Community Voice newspaper strives to present a balanced approach to covering news.
The freedom to practice one’s religion is a key reason why Jews have been able to flourish in America. In our community, we have a diverse Jewish population and a variety of synagogues spanning several denominations. We should support one another and try not to accentuate our differences. We have much in common that should unite us in shared purpose to preserve our freedom to practice religion and to fight anti-Semitism.
Perhaps the most iconic painting from Rockwell’s collection is the Freedom from Want. The painting shows a family gathered around their dining room table, which is overflowing with food. Implicit in this depiction is the freedom from hunger, which, along with the fundamental basic ability to broadly provide for our families, is a core need for all humans.
Unfortunately, in our community and elsewhere, food insecurity and the lack of affordable housing persist. At the Jewish Federation, our core mission is to provide for those in need. Our family of agencies, including JFCS, the JCC, and JSHHS, addresses food insecurity through food banks and delivery of meals. The Jewish Federation and Senior Housing provide affordable housing options and a caring continuing care retirement community at Lions Gate. We should be proud of all that we do and recognize that currently there is increased need. Thank you to all who support our JFund or have contributed to the Covid-19 Emergency Response Fund. Your donations are impactful.
The Freedom from Fear painting depicts a mother and father putting their son and daughter to bed during World War II. In our day, freedom from fear would include an end to the pandemic with an effective treatment for Covid-19 and a vaccine for the novel Coronavirus. For Jews, the resurgence in anti-Semitism is a cause for concern and a call to action. Our JCRC is charged with responding to anti-Semitism and keeping our community safe. As we must stand up to speak out against anti- Semitism, we should also stand up for the civil rights of others. Otherwise the civil rights of all Americans may also be in jeopardy.
Recently, while contemplating some ideas for this column, I was canoeing with my wife Andi on a lake in the Berkshires. As we looked up, we saw a bald eagle soaring majestically in the sky above. The freedom and strength it represents is a powerful symbol of America. As we respond to the converging challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic and racial injustice, we must ensure that our nation is the land of the free and the home of the brave for all Americans.
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July 01, 2020 at 09:09PM
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As we celebrate our freedom, we must defend liberty for all - Jewish Community Voice
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