LimmudFest NY 2020

Judaism gives us the freedom to accept Judaism, to choose the Torah, to understand the Torah, and to choose life: ובחרת בחיים. Fundamentally, it gives us the freedom to respect others. Once freed from slavery, the Jewish people were able to stand at Mount Sinai. Throughout the generations, it is with freedom that we accept the covenant – and take on the moral law. At its heart, the moral law calls for respect: respect of God, respect of the law, and respect of other people. How does this understanding of freedom impact our lives? What does it mean for liberal democratic states? How can it affect the State of Israel? Are Israel’s Women of the Wall due freedom or respect?