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Independence Day
Jun 5, 2026 By Emmanuel Bloch | Commentary | Beha'alotekha
In Escape from Freedom (1941), Erich Fromm argued that freedom is not merely liberation from external constraints (“freedom from”) but also entails the capacity for self-realization and responsible action (“freedom to”). One of the most puzzling passages in Beha-alotekha reflects a similar insight.
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Is Modesty Still Relevant in the Twenty-First Century?
Sep 13, 2024 By Emmanuel Bloch | Commentary | Ki Tetzei
Modesty is hardly a popular concept among liberal-minded Jews, nor within the Western world in general. The reasons for this are multiple. Historically, modesty has been disproportionately applied to women, often as a means of controlling female behavior and sexuality. It is often associated with patriarchy, control, and the suppression of individual freedoms. Modesty is frequently perceived to be a negation of individuality, body positivity, and self-expression.
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