Bamidbar. Morais, Sabato. Philadelphia, PA. 1888
- Title
- Bamidbar. Morais, Sabato. Philadelphia, PA. 1888
- Author
- Morais, Sabato
- Date Created
- 1888
- Format
- 5 pages on 2 sheets
- Language(s)
- English
- Source
- Katz Center for Advanced Judaic Studies
- Sabato Morais Collection, Box 9, Folder 26
- Has Format
- https://colenda.library.upenn.edu/items/ark:/81431/p38g8g26x/manifest.json
- Link to Colenda
- https://colenda.library.upenn.edu/catalog/81431-p38g8g26x
- Provenance
- Transfer of Custody from the Hebrew Education Society, 10 March 1913.
- Is Format Of
- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/judaicadh/morais/main/TEI/SMBx9FF26_2.xml
- content
-
S. MORAIS,
546 N. FIFTH STREET,
PHILADELPHIA, PA.
[Hebrew]
To allow this Sabbath to pass, and remain entirely silent concerning the event which occurred on it thirty seven years ago, would not be wrong proper, according to my mode of thinking. On other years, when the first portion of the book of Numbers was is being read, I have generally detained the attendants my fellow co-worshippers with the narrative of events circumstances which preceded the building of this sacred edifice, or with occurrences that of incidents attending our first and subsequent services rendered here, after since the consecration thereof. Several times my anniver--sary discourse, was by request, or by my own option, published in Jewish papers, or in pamphlet form. To follow such a plan this year, would necessi--tate the composing of a regular sermon, but neither am I prepared for that task, nor do I consider it discreet to lecture on two con--secutive days.
There really exists in America an abuse, which ought to be corrected. The human mind is not exhaustless, and to demand of any person of an
average talent capacities a set-speech with great frequency, is to cause a strain painfully trying. At least, I would find it so at my age, and in a state of health not very robust flourishing. I shall en--deavour tomorrow to preach on the a subject of which Shabunget[?] suggests.
I am aware that some of my colleagues have made it a practice of late to acquaint their constituents before hand in advance with their intention to hold a special festivity in their respective temples, when the return of the natal day of those of places of worship, or of their own inception into office arrives. I have not deemed it proper fitting to do so. I feared that the action might give room to a misapprehension. What I would much prefer to such spasmodic large assemblages brought about by a clerical invitation, is an early, regular and decorous ga--thering every sabbath. Anniversaries of synagogal, or of personal character are nowhere enjoyined, but to hold holy conversations on cer--tain defined days, is a command of the Torah.
Although my sight is slightly dimmed,
and the light within these walls, is not very particularly bright, I look anxiously on all sides up and down each seventh day, to discover who is missing. I feel sad, if some that habitually mostly attend the service, are absent.
We can indeed spare none, for every loss by death, leaves behind a void not easily filled. Naturally, among the many who joined me in prayer on this sacred spot just 37 years ago, some not a few have passed away from earth. With some honorable ex--ceptions, their offspring have estranged them-selves from the sanctuary which their parents habitually visited, with frequency, and chose above all other shrines. My ardent wish and pra--yer are for the continuance of this [Hebrew] "Hope of Israel". The strong deep sentiments which I entertain about in regard to it, may be the effect of an unprecedented continuance, as a guide of this religious body. May be also that I imagine our corporate per--manence necessary to Judaism. At all events, I com-mit its preservation to your zeal, my brothers and sisters in faith. It is with you, under God, to
make most efficacious provisions, in order that the first place community of Jewish worshipers in Philadel--phia, may never perish from the earth.
And Thou, Rock of our refuge, who hast per--mitted thirty seven years to glide roll by, and see this building, typical remain an typical exponent of conservatism, unde- -cayed, notwithstanding adverse occurrences let circumstances of frequent occurrence adverse to it, let Thy Divine grace rest thereupon. it. Even as the structure, which preceded it, was vouchsafed an existence of nearly eight decades, without the loss of its original prestige, so may this one or any hereafter continue to hold the same honorable significative appellation [Hebrew], to the praise of the supporters thereof and to Thy celestial glory. Amen. - Identifier
- p38g8g26x
- identifier
- SMBx9FF26_2
Part of Bamidbar. Morais, Sabato. Philadelphia, PA. 1888
Morais, Sabato, “Bamidbar. Morais, Sabato. Philadelphia, PA. 1888”, Sabato Morais Digital Repository, accessed September 19, 2024, https://judaicadhpenn.org/legacyprojects/s/morais/item/83415