Haggadah-Freedom to Act-Apter Rav

The 5th of Nisan is the Yahrtzeit of Rav Avraham Yehoshua Heshel of Apt, the Ohev Yisrael. We now have the best opportunity to achieve redemption. Until the present time a Jew did not have complete freedom of action, inasmuch is formerly, the leaders of the Jewish community had authority to punish transgressors against Jewish customs and communal regulations. Now, however, anyone may commit any offense against Judaism with impunity. Hence, he who chooses not to sin through self-control and reverence for his faith is worthier in the eyes of God than the law-abiding Jew of former generations. (Menorat haTehorah, page 78)