Independence for All: A Holiday Checklist

Of all the catchwords in today's society, the word "independence" has particular resonance. Whether describing the condition of our nation or the nature of our economic affairs, we know that independence is a positive good, a desirable state.

Looking around today at the volatile political situation in so many countries around the world, American Jews can't help but feel blessed. Indeed, we revel in our political freedom and in our ability to conduct our lives free of governmental interference.

Nevertheless, before we begin to celebrate this July Fourth, we need to ensure that we have made the following holiday preparations.

Safeguarding Political Independence

___ Did we pay attention last Pesah as we read the Haggadah, which teaches that we are not free unless all people are free?

___ Do we urge our Members of Congress to support fellow democracies around the world?

___ Do we support relief efforts for those displaced from their homes by civil strife?

___ As citizens of a free nation, have we taken full advantage of our political rights?

___ Do we vote in school board elections? City and state elections?

___ Do we turn out in large numbers for Congressional and Presidential elections?

___ Do we take seriously the notion that it is only by exercising our rights that we can hope to perpetuate them?

___ Do we communicate with our legislators on a regular basis?

___ Do we write to our newspapers?

___ Have we taught our children the importance of participating in the political process?

Ensuring Economic Independence

___ Have we taken any steps to help people who have slipped through the increasingly leaky safety net of social service programs?

___ Have we given tzedakah this week?

___ Do we acknowledge that economic enslavement is as soul-destroying as political tyranny?

___ Have we framed our Jewish lives in such a way as to recognize and embody the teaching that the giving of charity is not only encouraged but mandated?

___ Do we know in our hearts that while no one individual can eliminate poverty, we can, as individuals, make some difference in the lives of the hungry and the homeless in our own communities?

Protecting Religious Freedom

___ Do we take full advantage of our religious freedoms?

___ Are we active members of our synagogues? Given the opportunity to develop a spiritual life in accordance with our own religious tradition, do we take time out for Shabbat?

___ Do we take advantage of the rich supply of kosher food available in our communities? Do we send our children to the increasing number of Jewish day schools and youth groups?

___ Blessed with a state that is indeed separate from church, do we actively work to ensure that this state of affairs is not threatened?

___Are we vigilant in speaking out against judicial decisions and legislative programs that threaten our ability to practice our religion freely -- or that tend to establish the teachings of another religion as the law of the land?

When all these items are checked, we can begin to celebrate the Fourth of July in its proper context. Independence carries with it many responsibilities. As Jews, and as citizens of a great democracy, it is our job to ensure that the meaning of this great holiday will not be lost.