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To the Editor of the Occident.
Sir—In
times like the present, when all sects are buckling on their armor to
fight the cause of their religion, in an age like ours when the finger
of innovation threatens to erase the landmarks of our venerated faith:
it behooves every man in whom the latent sparks of religion are not
extinct, to arouse his co-religionists to stern and unflinching duty.
Adopting this principle, and acting in its strict spirit, I propose in
this effusion to redeem a pledge, "that in my next I intended to
speak of the apathetic state of our ministers on the subject of
religious education." In order that my way may be clear for the
intended dissertation, I deem it necessary to explain why I leave the
beaten track of my official employment, and occupy those pages of your
periodical which some persons might like to see filled with more
pleasing matter. In a word, then, I am a Jew, animated by patriotic zeal
to serve my people, and use the pages of the Occident for purposes as
holy as they are sincere. A good and gracious God has thought fit to
place me in a situation far above my merits, a sacred appointment for
the "care of souls." I am anxious to accomplish something
beyond the pale of my own congregation and know of no better vehicle
than the Occident for giving vent to my well-grounded, if not learned
opinions.
He
who hath an eye to see, an ear to hear, and a heart to feel, cannot fail
to be impressed with our ultimate glorious destiny, "the
ingathering of our people;" yet it becomes a subject of
heart-rending grief, when we reflect on our present degenerate
condition, considering that we live in a land "fair and free."
The question forces itself on the imagination: "What have our
ministers done for the cause of Judaism? what for the cause of religious
education?" The question will be answered thus:
"They
have done all they are empowered to accomplish, their engagement sets
forth certain duties in the Synagogue, and this is the extent of their
power; beyond that they have no control."
"We,"
say the laity, "know how to manage our own religious matters; all
we require of our Hazanim is to use their stentorian lungs to shout for
us to heaven." Is it possible that such is the summit of their
power? is it really so, that the highest religious office yet among us
in America is so insignificant, as to possess no power, beyond vocal
abilities, to chant a set number of tunes, to be the registrar of
births, marriages, and deaths, to pay a number of visits to their
respective members, to have a friendly chat with the female members, and
to perform other trifling matters? Is it true that we have so far
departed from the custom of our pious ancestry, as to have no shepherd
to guide us, none to warn us, no one to strike the sinful with
heart-saddening conviction, to cheer others in their soul-desponding
moments, to be equally regardless of the opinions and favours of their
brethren, and to exhort them to give their children a religious
education? Is it plausible that 20,000 worshipping Jews, and Heaven
knows how many nominal Israelites, shall remainבצאן אשר אין
להם רעה "as sheep which have no
shepherd?" Supposing, for a moment, that we are all virtuous and
sincere, have we no thoughts beyond the day? No consideration for
posterity? Is the rising generation to fall? Oh, sir, with
heartfelt satisfaction I appeal to you, for you have done us essential
service, as a minister and a champion; but is Philadelphia the whole
United States? points not your finger farther South to adduce evidence
of ministerial zeal? Alas, far better for sheep to graze by their own
instinct than to have such a shepherd. In my mind's eye I look for that
priest of old on which all that is good loves to dwell; he was ever
first in the ranks, his heart-stirring voice was heard in the heat of
battle, rallying their people to duty. And when the din of battle ceased
its sounds of death, where then was the priest? engaged in teaching the
"way to heaven to" men, women, and children, assembled to be
instructed in the leading and essential doctrines of their faith.
Religious education was the panacea for every evil; and thus employed,
the priest was, indeed, קדש לה׳
holy to God; for the cause of religion he fought; and for that
holy motive he would exhort king or beggar. Contrast those times with
the present falsely termed "halcyon days;" and where are our
priests? our ministers? our guides? Alas, echo answers
"where!" all is apathy, all lethargy and slumber, and the
voice of reproof is never heard; אלך
בשרירות לבי "I will follow the
inclining of my heart," is the
general maxim; to teach children of things beyond this pilgrimage,
savours too much of superstition to be spoken of. If such is the picture
of American Judaism, if ministers, with few exceptions, are really
powerless, if the Synagogue alone is their fabric: I ask, is it
not high time that the stone "should be rolled from the well's
mouth," that our present Hazanim should exact farther power, or
that additional officers be created? can we without the deep branding
shame of self-abasement, without apprehension and alarm, look to the
present, and contemplate the future? Israelites, behold your condition,
with a population destined for a fourfold increase, with every choice
gift of heaven, among a people desirous to see you prosper, for their
interests are blended with yours—with these cheering prospects, what
are you doing for your children (having disposed of the paid
priesthood)? we ask you as men, as priests, as Jews, to bear with
us a few moments whilst we continue on the theme of religious education;
think not that we intend to speak of your own neglect in heavenly
matters; full well we know, that you think you are safe candidates for
immortality because you to have a seat in the Synagogue, and your
remains will be deposited in a Jewish burial-ground, and we have no desire at present to disabuse such a fallacy; ask your
own conscience, and that alone should guide you. But your children is
our theme; you love them: when their finger pains, you are in anguish;
when accidents overtake them, your mind is distracted; if death should
threaten them, your life's blood would be a voluntary offering, if it
could cure them: yet you do not think of their precious and immortal
souls; and how to account for this apathy is a problem all your
ingenuity cannot solve. Think you it is sufficient if they are born
within the law, without being taught by the principles it sets forth? Or
are you satisfied by sleeping in the drowsy arms of delusion? If either,
you are miserably deluded, if you imagine prosperity can crown your
efforts, without training your children to religion and virtue.
Prophetic declaration affirms the contrary, "When your children
shall be taught of the Lord, then shall abundant peace be among
you." It is by far of more consequence, and of more vital
importance that your children should be religiously and morally good,
than excellently learned. If conjointly you can promote learning and
piety, it will certainly be most desirable; but unhappily you commence
at the wrong end in your system and policy; for this world which is but
an hour, you devote a life; for the next world which is a life,
you devote an hour. You train your children for every thing but
the principles of the Jewish religion; hence all the discordant and
lamentable effects. Without appearing invidious, but to illustrate my
position, Charleston would not now suffer from dissension, caused by the
spirit of innovation, had religious education been the polar star of
parents' ambition. How much is it, therefore, to be desired that it were
otherwise; that the study of our sacred religion, and a better
acquaintance with our sages were more general! Compared with this
celestial intelligence, other themes are low and groveling. This study
excels all others, as "light excels gloom." Guided by this
brilliant light, your children would view those monuments of skill and
erudition, and be thereby excited to emulation, to kindle the spark of
wisdom, genius, and talent, at those smoldering fires which, however
neglected, remain unquenched, destined still to be the beacon of Israel
amidst all tribulation. Oh, that my artless words would enlighten our
co-heirs of immortality on this glorious theme! how happy shall I be if
by the means of this effusion, one additional scion of Judaism shall be
taught his religion, the tenets of his holy faith, teaching him how to
live here and hereafter. I shall indeed by well satisfied, should such
be the result, to be a frequent, if not an eloquent,
correspondent, to your pages.
S. M. I. |
