Anniversaries. Morais, Sabato. Philadelphia, PA. 1865 · Sabato Morais Digital Repository · Legacy Projects from Judaica DH at Penn Libraries

Title

Anniversaries. Morais, Sabato. Philadelphia, PA. 1865

Author

Morais, Sabato

Date Created

1865

Location(s)

United States -- Pennsylvania -- Philadelphia

United States -- Pennsylvania

Format

10 pages on 4 sheets

Rights

http://rightsstatements.org/page/NoC-US/1.0/?

Language(s)

English

Source

Katz Center for Advanced Judaic Studies

Sabato Morais Collection, Box 11, Folder 2

Has Format

https://colenda.library.upenn.edu/items/ark:/81431/p36q1t21s/manifest.json

Link to Colenda

https://colenda.library.upenn.edu/catalog/81431-p36q1t21s

Provenance

Transfer of Custody from the Hebrew Education Society, 10 March 1913.

Is Format Of

https://raw.githubusercontent.com/judaicadh/morais/main/TEI/SMBx11FF2_6.xml

content

For the fifth anniversary
of
the 7th st Synagogue

[Hebrew] "We will not forsake the house of our God". Brethren! The tenth chap--ter of Nehemiah enumerates certain promises, made in a solemn assembly, by a large body of liberated Hebrews. It is my opinion that we would greatly benefit by meditating on the purport of each of them, but as the last of those declarations, fitly stands as a text for the subject I propose to discuss, I have quoted it to the exclusion of all the others. The occasion, whose anniversary moves me to speak at the present season, is yet fresh in your memory. For, you participated in its festivity. Five years ago we devoted this handsome edifice to the service of Israel's God. The ceremony accompanying the dedication was impo--sing; the number of eager attendants unprecedentedly large. But what promises did the important occurrence draw from the vast multitude? Did they also vow never to forsake the house of our God?...My friends! Past circumstances

suggest a ready answer, but I fear to express it-- It is, seemingly, my misfortune to shape English sentences in a manner open to misconstruction. Hence is the influence I much desire to exercise for good, altogether denied me. Shall I then give utterance to what may produce a contrary effect to that intended? No, I will rather let your own hearts give the correct reply. Justice, however, impels me candidly to state, that the marked improvement in the hitherto declining finances of the Congregation, is due more to the energetic exertions of a few, than to a spirit of pious zeal generally felt. When ruin stood menacing at the gates of our minor sanctuary, the strenuous efforts of those few, precluded its entrance. To them will I therefore commend the future independence of our venerable institution. Let them stir up among our members who enjoy affluence, a determined will to loosen undo the heavy burthen which yet weighs it down. To cancel, I say, an obligation the existence of which robs God of a portion of that which we professedly to have entirely and absolutely offered in honor to His name.

Verily, if their endeavours prove now a failure; they will never meet with success. The fluctuation in the monetary system of this country, and the uncertain issue of impending events, which last year were alleged by some, as a reason for their refusing rejecting my humble appeal, can no more withhold the hand of liberality. Yet a short while, and the promissory notes of our stable government, will be accepted in preference to the coinage of precious metals. Let those who have command over that spring of wealth, be therefore exhorted to incline it toward this hallowed spot. [Hebrew] [Hebrew] "Bring ye all the tithes unto the treasury, that there may be provision in my house, and prove me now by this, sayeth the Lord of hosts; if I will not open for you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, which exceeds all limits." Essay it, O my beloved hearers! and your expectations will not be frustrated. The opulent will then experience the satisfaction of having gratefully remembered the author of their temporal promotion, and we who stand here to supplicate the throne of grace, will exalt, because this dwelling shall be in all truth, the house of our God.

Such is, my Brethren, the cherished desire of my heart, and its accomplishment I deem also essential to the preservation of our character and standing; never--theless it is not so all-absorbing, as to render me oblivious of other important requisites in our conduct towards this Synagogue. The Sages of Israel prescribe as the means of prolonging life, an early attendance at public worship [Hebrew] But apart from the merit which our eagerness in sowing the Creator, may obtain for us, a sense of propriety ought to urge the necessity of that course. To join in the prayers after the Reader is far advanced in their recital, evinces a heedlessness prejudicial to our children's cl religious habits. It likewise abstracts the mind from its devotion, by involuntarily directing it to those who are passing before us, or pressing us around. It, not unfrequently, creates feelings that jar with the sentiments which a consecrated spot ought to engender, and that, by reason of the title claimed by the last comer to a seat already occupied. It detracts from the solemnity of our holy communion, whereby the unction we might derive from it, is never experienced.

These reflections, however, do not appear to have struck the mind of many among my audience, else the constantly varying scene of fresh visitors, would not be witnessed there where a uniformity of attend--ance is demanded. To remedy this evil, which has become rife in our midst, it occurred to me, that when I announce the hour at which Sabbath commences, I might opportunely remind then my brothers and sisters of the hour at which the morning service of the seventh day begins, for, really it might be presumed that they act wrongly through ignorance, or that they have forgotten the existing regulations. Know ye, my friends! that those who enter our sacred habitation at eleven o'clock have delayed too long the performance of their duty; they who present them--selves hither at ten, are also dilatory, but that punctuality, according to the rules of this Congregation, means, to bow reverently towards our holy oracle, as the clock strikes nine. Is the appointed time so unseasonable that it encroaches on that of our natural rest? On the contrary, those who are con--versant with Rabbinical laws, will rightly say,

that its lateness is an infringement of them. It may be now inexpedient to alter it, but none should be absent when it arrives. Cases may exist in which a conformance with even so convenient a regulation, will be found impossible, but though we may be willing to overlook such, as unavoidable exceptions, we must condemn tardiness when it has become a general practice. It is but little that we can offer in return for unceasing favors. Let us show, at all events, readiness in offering homage to the Guardian of our existence. We have reared to His glory this comely habitation, we must fulfil the duties flowing from its existence. Brethren! Your early calls at this shrine, shall be preceded by free-will offerings for its maintenance; then you will have proven beyond refutation that, like your ancestors, the contemporaries of Nehemiah,--it is your steadfast resolve never to forsake the house of our God. But not less than punctuality is regularity likewise a primary requisite in our demeanour towards the Synagogue. To visit these devoted courts at intervals, it is not to exhibit affection for Him, whose Divine presence sanctifies them. The objects we love, we seek with earnest constancy.

[Hebrew] "I rejoice when they say unto me, let us go to the house of the Lord," exclaims the royal shepherd. Not the fear of impending dangers, not the strokes of affliction, but the joyous thought of raising our voice with that of a vast multitude, exalting their heavenly Father, should induce us to wend our steps towards this Tabernacle of the Lord. With unutterable satisfaction I discover the removal of one great obstacle against the increase of our faithful attendants. And I as I contem--plate the happy change I bless them who has moved the heart of some among my hearers, to set a higher value upon the Divine word than on perishable goods.
Verily, my Brethren! every revolving Sabbath shall add a gem of ever-shining lustre to the crown reserved for your spiritual glorification. You have repressed your mortified covetous-will, for the sake of the Lord, -ness to please your Maker, and you shall be counted among the his righteous servants. But in order to obtain that priceless re--ward, you must employ the day you honor, agreeably to its sacred origin. Our religion does not demand that it shall be devoted entirely to deep meditation, but we are recommended to render the sabbath a delight, by ceasing thereon from worldly pursuits, by raising

our thoughts above material gain, by being entertained with higher subjects than earthly vanities. And surely you cannot better carry into action this advice of the inspired Isaiah, than by joining betimes these weekly gatherings of Israelites. Here will your hearts be warmed by devotional fervor; your minds be enlightened by words of instruction. For none is so pure that cannot benefit from the ardency of prayer, none so learned that cannot profit from the lessons drawn at the fountain of truth. If you are strong in faith, you will be confirmed therein. If you are possessed of knowledge, you may hear perhaps what will awaken a new and wholesome ideas. But unto your sons and daughters will your regular and punctual attendance at the synagogue, be hereafter of infinite advantage. The presence of their parents, whose all doings nature taught them to believe perfect, will inspire with inextin--guishable love for the day of the Lord, and with reverence for public worship. It will create in them feelings of obedience to Scriptural behests, and of brotherly union with their people. Impressed by your example, they will in turn strive that a decorous demeanour and a liberal spirit may establish the foundation of our holy house,

and exalt the dwelling of the God of Jacob. Your memory will then be perpetuated in your children's goodly deeds, while their own happiness will be enhanced in proportion as they adhere to your early tuition [Hebrew] [Hebrew] "When thy offspring are taught of the Lord, their peace will greatly augment" [Hebrew] [Hebrew] "Not only thy Hebrew children shall they alone be called," say the Rabbins, "but parents and architects of Jewish greatness among the family of nations." So may it be. Amen.

Identifier

p36q1t21s

identifier

SMBx11FF2_6