Two years ago this week, President Biden signed a bill formally acknowledging this day as the federal holiday of Juneteenth. Today we mark the significant anniversary of the order from General Gordon Granger on June 19, 1865, proclaiming freedom for all slaves in Texas. As Jews, our celebration of freedom is not just integral to our Passover holiday but a core message of our Torah and a key component of Jewish expression. On all days, of course, but especially today, we can reflect on the light our tradition shines on the joys of freedom, to be our best selves and to exercise our free will.
May this year’s commemoration of Juneteenth be a refreshing and welcome reminder of the gifts of freedom we enjoy in this country, both as Americans and as Jews. May we celebrate the gift of independence for all, never taking it for granted. I hope you’ll find this contemporary liturgy for Juneteenth inspiring as we mark today’s relatively new but welcome holiday occasion.
—Cantor Emma Lutz
Clap Your Hands, All You Nations (A Psalm for Juneteenth)
By Rebecca S’manga Frank
Why is this day different from all other days?
On this day the message of freedom was no longer delayed
Galveston, Texas 1865, and Today
May I carry the message of freedom
May I receive the message of freedom
May I stretch my arms wide, breathing deeply
May a gust of wind blow boundless through my mind
May I remember forgotten dreams
May tears escape from my eyes and evaporate on my cheek
May joyful shouts escape from my mouth as freely as birds fly into pink sky over salty water
May I lull myself and others into a peaceful sway by singing:
Oh Beautiful, Willow Weep For Me, The Sweetest Sound, Go Tell It On The Mountain of This
Little Light of Mine …
May our teeth shine as we smile at one another
May we cook, may we potluck together, giving thanks to the God in each of us.