Dr. Emily AronoffThe Importance of Teaching Freedom
As we make the transition out of Passover towards receiving the Torah and deliverance to our promised land, it’s essential to teach our children about the intricate concept of freedom. After all, they’ve just learned that each one of us should remember our time as slaves in Egypt. In today’s complex world, our children can benefit from relating to and understanding difficult ideas when we break them down into simple language while maintaining a positive tone.
Once we left Egypt, we were free from Pharoah- but we still lacked our basic necessities, and that 40 year journey through the desert towards a free life in a promised land is the ancestor of modern movements to find fairness and freedom for all, causes that still need our attention. ‘Freedom Song’ not only highlights our journey to freedom from slavery during Passover but also represents the path towards receiving the Torah on Shavuot. Just like the Israelites, our pursuit of freedom and fairness is an ongoing process that we must carry forward
Yom HaAtzmaut celebrates Israel’s Freedom!
Yom HaAtzmaut, Israel’s Independence day, falls after Passover. Use this song to help children extend their understanding of “independence,” explaining that Israel is in charge of herself now (before, it was other countries for a long long time).
The Pursuit of Freedom Matters
That’s why I’ve written the “Freedom Song,” a new piece that connects the Passover story to the ongoing pursuit of social justice, and encourages conversations about layers of freedom and fairness. This song is perfect for children aged 3-10, and I encourage you to move through the chorus with marching feet!
Big Ideas and Early Childhood Education
Early Childhood educators often organize our teaching around a ‘big idea,’ a central concept for young learners to grasp that is both relevant and meaningful. This season, appreciating our own freedom, fighting for our rights, and seeking freedom for those still in bondage emerges as an essential Jewish value—particularly this year.
The “Freedom Song” was created to connect the Passover story to Independence in Israel and can inspire conversations about layers of freedom, fairness, and independence.
Please note that while these topics have the potential to become political and controversial, early childhood classrooms and communities are not the appropriate place for adults to navigate complex issues.
Understanding the ‘Big Idea’
The “Freedom Song” connects the Passover story (our liberation from slavery) to Shavuot (receiving the Torah) and discusses freedom and fairness throughout. Teaching children about these values and their relevance in today’s world is crucial.
Now let’s dive into the “Freedom Song,” the perfect addition to your Passover celebration or Yom HaAtzmaut event, introducing this ‘big idea’ to kiddos.:
Verse 1:
D A
Freedom means, in our own way,
A D
We each choose how we work and play.
G A
I’m the boss of me, you’re in charge of you-
A D
We can choose what we want to do
Chorus:
G D A D
We’re on our way to freedom, so come along with me,
G D A D
This journey is a long one throughout Jewish history.
G D
We’ve come so far, but we’re far from done,
A D
We march ’til freedom is for everyone!
G DWe’ve come so far, but we’re far from done,
A D
We march ’til freedom is for everyone!
Verse 2:
D A
Being free means it’s our job now,
A D
To find freedom for those who do not know how.
G A
Reach out your hand, it’s up to you
A D
It’s what the Torah tells us to do.Chorus:
© Emily Aronoff 2024
I’m on my way to freedom, so come along with me,
This journey is a long one throughout Jewish history.
We’ve come so far, but we’re far from done,
We march ’til freedom’s for everyone!
We’ve come so far, but we’re far from done,
We march ’til freedom’s for everyone!
For more ideas about how to discuss Freedom with kiddos, check out this article I wrote for Kveller, Here’s How To Make Israeli Independence Day Mean Something for Little Kids
