Whether you’re a radical Progressive or Traditionalist, are you ready to be Free?
Join Jews and Gentiles, blacks and whites, progressives and traditionalists and return to April 4th 1969 (MLK's first Yartzeit) at Arthur Waskow's radical and controversial Freedom Seder. I recently picked up a first edition of this Mao-sized red booklet, and it's far more nuanced than I expected. Radical progressives will be surprised by its Jewish particularism and its defense of taking up arms to defend one’s people. Traditionalists will be struck by how rooted it is in Rabbinic tradition and delighted by the meaningful rituals it re-introduces. We explore how Waskow, a typical 60’s social activist who only later became a rabbi, created an "activist Midrash" that balances Jewish particularity with universal themes.
Key Takeaways
- Universality meets particularity: Waskow's Haggadah balances universal themes with deeply Jewish elements, challenging both progressives and traditionalists
- Ritual innovations: The Freedom Seder introduces thought-provoking additions to the traditional Seder, including a moment of silent meditation before candle lighting.
- Nuanced perspectives: Waskow doesn't shy away from addressing difficult topics, including Jewish shortcomings and the complexities of liberation.
Timestamps
- [00:00:05] — Introduction: Passover a year after MLK’s assassination and the origin of the Freedom Seder.
- [00:04:07] — Arthur Waskow’s background and path to becoming a rabbi through the Freedom Seder.
- [00:09:14] — Distinction between universal and Jewish themes in the Haggadah.
- [00:10:42] — Observations on the symbolism of unlit candles and the unique kiddush for Saturday night.
- [00:14:29] — Discussion on Waskow’s reimagined translation of “Melech Haolam” and blessing reinterpretations.
- [00:19:08] — Story of Rabbi Mendel and the power of silence and speech in the Seder.
- [00:20:09] — Ritual of darkness and silence before candle lighting, using silence and speech as symbolic themes.
- [00:21:41] — Opening the door for Elijah and referencing Ha Lachma Anya with new interpretations.
- [00:24:25] — Reflecting on “Next year in Jerusalem” as both literal and metaphorical.
- [00:26:39] — Revolutionary themes in Moses’ story and the broader message of activism and discomfort in liberation.
Links & Learnings
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Safaria Source Sheet: https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/638787
Transcript on episode web page: https://madlik.com/2025/04/09/freedom-haggadah-tradition-meets-social-justice/
