On July 4, we all celebrate freedom, but what is freedom? Turns out that freedom has many faces, and those faces often conflict with one another. Our different understandings about freedom underly much of the divisiveness we are now experiencing. Yet, there are aspects of freedom that can help us navigate that divisiveness.

Rabbi Ed Stafman brings a diverse background to his role. After working various jobs, he became a civil rights attorney before pursuing rabbinic ordination and a PhD inspired by Jewish teachings on compassion. As the rabbi in Bozeman for a decade, he developed a deep sense of shared human values. His interfaith work built skills finding commonalities among diverse people, useful in the legislature where he advocates for the environment, economic justice, and compassion. An outdoor enthusiast and community volunteer, Stafman continues his life of service to Bozeman as a legislator.