The Land of the Free

The Land of the Free

The 4th of July is more than barbecues,  parades and fireworks — it's a time to reflect on the unique character of our great country.

On America’s Independence Day, we pause to celebrate a nation founded on the powerful ideal of freedom — a freedom not detached from morality, but anchored in the belief that every individual is endowed by their Creator with inalienable rights. As the Declaration of Independence boldly states:

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights…"

This recognition of a higher authority — a Creator — placed moral boundaries around liberty, shaping a nation that would grow to become a beacon of religious freedom and opportunity. For Jews and many others, America has been an unprecedented sanctuary, a place where people could worship freely, live openly, and pursue purpose in peace.

Freedom and the Challenge of Leadership

This week’s Torah portion, Chukat, presents a striking and mysterious episode. After Miriam’s passing, the miraculous rock that had provided water to the Jewish people for 40 years in the desert stopped producing water. In response, G-d instructs Moses to speak to the rock to draw water for the thirsty nation.

However, Moses deviates from this command. Instead of speaking, he strikes the rock — echoing what he had done nearly 39 years earlier, when G-d had indeed told him to strike the rock to bring forth water. But this time, the instructions were different. G-d expected Moses to speak, not to hit.

Although it may seem like a small mistake, the consequences are enormous: Moses is told he will not lead the people into the Promised Land.

Why such a harsh response?

The Torah doesn’t explicitly explain why this act was so serious, and commentators offer many interpretations. 

Every story, teaching, and commandment in the Torah carries not only its literal meaning but also deeper, timeless lessons meant to guide our everyday lives. In the case of Moses and the rock, the deeper message lies in what G-d was truly expecting — not only from Moses, but from the new generation that was ready to enter the Promised Land, and for each of us today.

The first generation, fresh from slavery in Egypt, needed miracles. They needed leadership that was direct, assertive, even forceful. But this next generation — born in the wilderness, more mature, ready for independence — was prepared for something greater: to be spoken to, not struck. To take initiative, not just follow.

Moses, the ultimate shepherd, was a master of miracles. Splitting seas, Manna food from heaven each day, and living a worry-free life in the desert secluded from the “real world”. But relying solely on miracles belong to the past. The future would be shaped by partnership, not just command. By nurturing understanding, not just enforcing obedience. And so, the mantle would pass to Joshua, who would lead the people into the Land — not only with supernatural might, but with faith, effort, and engagement with the physical world.

From Being Led to Leading Ourselves

This moment in the Torah reflects a transformation that mirrors the evolution of liberty. Freedom isn’t about rejecting guidance — it's about growing into responsibility. We start by being instructed what to do, but true maturity comes when we are ready to be spoken to — and to speak up.

In many ways, this is the story of America, and especially of American Jews. As the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, once told acclaimed author Herman Wouk:

“The American Jewish community is wonderful. While you cannot tell them to do anything, you can teach them to do everything.”

This wasn’t a complaint — it was a praise and a challenge. It recognized that freedom, when nurtured with inspiration, can lead to deep, voluntary, powerful commitment. The Rebbe’s vision wasn’t one of command-and-control Judaism, but of education, love, and empowerment — guiding people to take ownership of their own spiritual journey.

Liberty With Purpose

Too often, freedom is misunderstood as the right to do whatever one wants. But Torah — and the American founding ethos — remind us that true liberty comes with responsibility, humility, and purpose.

Yes, we have freedom of speech — but are we using it to build up or break down?
Yes, we have freedom of religion — but do we use it to deepen our connection with G-d and uplift others?
Yes, we have the right to pursue happiness — but are we pursuing what’s meaningful, or just what’s easy?

As we grow closer to the final Redemption, the era of Moshiach, we must remember that the world isn’t waiting for us to be told what to do. We’re being asked to take initiative.

Just as G-d wanted Moses to speak to the rock — trusting that the people were ready to listen — He now waits for us to take the next step.

In a landmark talk in 1991, the Rebbe made a historic statement:

“I have done all that I can. Now it is up to you to do everything you can to bring Moshiach.”

As we celebrate the birth of a nation founded on G-d-given liberty, let’s reflect on what it means to be truly free — not just politically, but spiritually.

Let us be like the generation ready to enter the land, not just waiting for miracles or instructions, but using our freedom to create a home for G-d — in our daily lives, our communities, and ultimately in the entire world.

May we merit the day soon when all of humanity, guided by truth and justice, will know true freedom — with the coming of Moshiach, speedily in our days.

Happy 4th of July. May it be a celebration not just of independence — but of purpose.