Now We Are Free People

Avadim Hayyinu v’Atah B’nai Choreen

“Now We Are Free People”

These five Hebrew words are the centerpiece of the Passover Seder.  In translation, we say “We were slaves. Now we’re free.”  (Maybe there’s the addition to this proclamation in your home too, ‘We’re hungry. Now, let’s eat!’) Seems simple enough, remember who you were once upon a time, so you can appreciate who you are now. And don’t forget to eat something too! What do these words mean and how can we say them with purpose on this holiday?

Let’s first explore what B’nai Choreen can mean.   Literally, these words mean, ‘children of loose fitting white clothes.’ Freedom by this definition is external. Said differently, the fetters of enslavement are absent in the garments one wears in the world.  Or, you look free, so you must be free.  We know such superficial definitions can be misleading.

Whenever we hear B’nai Choreen, though, we must also listen to the ancient teaching, “Lo Aleicha Ham’lacha Ligmor - v’Lo Atah Ben Choreen LeeBattel Meemenah” (Pirke Avot 2:16) “You’re not obligated to complete the task, neither are you free to give up.” This is far beyond the literal definitions of a person who wears white garments. Here we have the idea that a free person is somehow obligated to moral behavior.

To be free is not to simply emerge from the shackles of bondage and with hands raised in a vee declaring, “Freedom!”  To be free is to take responsibility.  We have been liberated from the toils of a world of hopelessness, into a world that cries for the help of others.  The opposite of this freedom here is an enslavement of apathy and indifference.  

More than the responsibility to act in the world, our ancient wisdom challenges us to explore questions that only a free person is permitted to ask. “You’re not obligated to complete the task, neither are you free to give up.” At what point do you ask, “Is it Enough?” When do you say, “Dayenu?”  We’re not obligated to save the world alone.  We have to ask ourselves somewhere along the way where our obligations end. But, “How much responsibility qualifies as enough?”

Just like the four children, there are at least four answers to the question. The clever one at your table will look at you and say, “As little responsibility that I can get away with without harming myself.” The simple one will tell you, “I am responsible for everyone, all the time, always.”  The one who is incapable of asking will turn to you and say, “You tell me how much is enough.”  The wise one thinks carefully here, and will say, “I feel the burden of responsibility for everyone, but I can only do so much. Little by little, one person at a time, one transformative act at a time.  This is how I will make a difference.”  

“Avadim Hayinu, v’Atah B’nai Choreen.”  It’s the easiest song we’ll sing at the Seder, perhaps second only to the chorus of “Dayenu.” Beyond the repetitions in the words, these chants become a mantra. “Now we are free people.  We decide when is enough.”  That’s freedom.

The best seders take the time to affirm just how simple, or just how complicated, this ethic can be. Wishing you and your families a joyous Pesach holiday of enough.