by Hakham Isaac Sassoon
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here are that of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the Union for Traditional Judaism, unless otherwise indicated.
Hakham Sassoon explores the biblical history of slavery in his article on thetorah.org.
At a small gathering a few years ago, someone was explaining that he understood the Haggadah as conveying the message that slavery is a bad thing. Otherwise why all the expressions of gratitude for freedom throughout the Haggadah? Suddenly, a rather strident voice interrupted, challenging this speaker: If you are saying that the exodus implies disapproval of slavery in principle, let me tell you young man that you are utterly mistaken. The exodus is a national story, plain and simple, because for the Jews subjugation to Pharaoh was not their destiny. Therefore, do not divert the Seder from its authentic nationalistic significance to some kind of approbation of liberty for all.
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One of the world’s leading Torah scholars, Hakham Isaac Sassoon synthesizes rigorous traditional study with scrupulous academic and historical scholarship.
A prolific writer for TheTorah.com, Hakham Sassoon is the author of several critically-acclaimed books including:
His initial education was under the tutelage of his father, the renowned scholar Rabbi Solomon David Sassoon, Hakham Yosef Doury, and others. He continued his studies at the prestigious Gateshead Yeshiva and various yeshivoth in Israel. He holds a Ph.D. in Literature from the University of Lisbon.
Continuing his family's tradition of academic achievement, Hakham Sassoon has published on topics ranging from Scriptural commentary and history, to issues of current concern to the Jewish community. Hakham Sassoon teaches at the Institute of Traditional Judaism-The Metivta and lectures widely.
For more thoughts from Hakham Sassoon, see the Destination Torah Facebook page, Twitter handle, and Youtube channel.
To learn more about Hakham Sassoon, go to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaac_S.D._Sassoon