Adena M'lynn's Voice

A week before Passover, I find myself in deep reflection—not only on the ancient story of Exodus, but on my own journey. Passover has always been more than a ritual or holiday; it is a sacred invitation to remember God’s love, where we came from, and what still binds and frees us. This year, as I prepare my heart for Passover, I also recall the stories of more recent history—stories not from the desert, but from the ashes of Europe. I think of the Holocaust survivors, of the fear and faith that gripped Jewish families in Germany, Poland, and across Europe. I think of the way Rabbi Sidney Zimelman, (He was my rabbi while I was incarcerated.) used to speak of those times—how he would talk about the mounting fear, the silence of neighbors, and the rising tide of hatred that swept through nations. And then, somehow, he would always tie it back to Passover—not just as a feast of freedom, but as a symbol of endurance and divine presence even in the darkest nights.  Today antisemitism is ...

Religion, at its core, is meant to provide spiritual guidance, a sense of community, and moral direction to its followers. It offers comfort in times of distress, a sense of belonging in a vast world, and a moral compass to navigate through life's challenges. However, throughout history, the purity of religious intentions has often been overshadowed by its misuse as a tool for control, harm, and discrimination. Let's look at how religious beliefs have been exploited in various contexts to justify actions and policies that cause harm to others, aiming to provide insights into the complexities of religion's role in societal issues. The Historical Context Historically, religion has been a significant source of influence in society, wielding power over cultural norms, laws, and even governance. This deep-rooted influence has, unfortunately, been manipulated to justify wars, genocides, and acts of terror. The Crusades, for instance, serve as a stark example of how religious moti...