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by Isaac Leeser
To
a disinterested observer, the state of the American Israelites must
present itself as anomalous in the highest degree. There are
congregations scattered over an immense surface of country, from the
snows of Canada to the tropical heats of Guiana, and one community knows
absolutely nothing of the state and the wants of the other. Every thing
is not only conducted on an independent footing, but at times with an
utter disregard of the best interests of our religion. What the majority
resolves upon is the law; and the enactments are now and then
diametrically opposite to a sound construction of our laws and
ceremonies. And for the same reason mere tyros in religious knowledge
not rarely are the very persons to speak of reforming a system of which
they scarcely know the first principles. We do not know that these
reflections have presented themselves to the general mass of our people;
but certain we are, that it requires only a very small share of
penetration to discover the existence of the evil when once the
attention has been directed in this channel. No one can be more partial
to the independence of each Synagogue in its municipal regulations than
we are. It matters not what names are given to the directors, whether
they are termed adjuntas, trustees, or wardens; it is of no importance
whether the treasurer belongs to the board or not; whether the members
vote directly in matters relating to the business of the congregation,
or delegate this power to a representative body whether large or small.
But it is of the highest importance that the effects of legislation
should be uniform, and be based upon strict Jewish principles, and
conform in every essential to sound and liberal views of religion. Let it be understood, that our religion is essentially
uniform; for the difference between the Portuguese, German, and Polish
congregations, is much more trifling than one would be led to believe if
he were to judge from the silly prejudice which is often discoverable
among them; and refers only to some few variations in the Book of Daily Prayers, pronunciation of the Hebrew, and the
different additions which the respective congregations have permitted to
the regular form on particular Sabbaths, the festivals and fast days.
There may be, in addition to this, some minor points of observance which
distinguish the various denominations; but it would be folly to dignify
them with the name of sectarian differences, which in reality do not
exist, if the subject be rightly viewed.
It
is an evil certainly that, in small communities especially, Israelites
do not unite to form one large respectable Synagogue, in place of
weakening their strength and wasting means uselessly in keeping up
separate establishments for the Portuguese, German, and Polish customs.
But it is a far greater evil that there should be no unity of feeling
where Synagogues of the different denominations do exist; or that
different towns do not combine to effect a general object, because the
imaginary lines of separation place, as they aver, an insurmountable
obstacle in the way of a union of the disjointed members which now
constitute our American congregations. But how short-sighted are all who
think and act so; who suffer themselves to be led away by petty motives
and little views, which are a disgrace to thinking manhood! We have long
since severely suffered from the spirit of littleness which animated the
gentiles towards us; they could not tolerate that we should differ from
them in matters of faith, though our conduct was always such as becomes
men who wish to live at peace with all the world, and to pursue the even
tenor of their way without molesting any other person in his rights or
privileges. Yes, this was the cause of much bloodshed, and it led to
acts of inconceivable barbarity; until at length the persecutors
themselves were compelled to commiserate the lot of their victims, and to cry out
"Shame!" over the barbarity which they themselves had
displayed. We confess, that this malign feeling has not yet died away in
all lands but it certainly has subsided in many countries, especially in
the United States of America, and the European colonies adjacent to this
happy republic; and here one would have thought, that Judaism ought to
unfold itself in all its beauty, and exhibit to an admiring world all
the traits of a generous emulation of doing good among its various
professors; that it would here, if any where, have thrown aside the
shackles of prejudice, and that brother would have held out the helping
hand to the brother, to aid him in accomplishing all that is good, righteous
and holy. Here, one would have thought, that they who had fled from the
oppression of European tyrants, inflicted on them because they are Jews,
they who came hither with the beloved of their heart to be united in the
bonds of holy wedlock, because in their native land this union was
regarded as a crime, would have united heart and soul to prove that now,
since they are free to wed though they are Jews, they have truly a high
regard for the religion which caused them to become exiles from their
native land, and that they mean to show their devotion to their ancient
faith in a land where no dark-souled tyrant stands ready to forge
fetters for them because they are sons of Israel. But these evidences of
a religious union are utterly wanting; each person almost pursues his
own course of aggrandizement and love of gain without troubling himself
about the good cause of religious truth of which he was born a
witness—about that ancient fellowship which is far more to be prized
than the patents of nobility awarded by the caprice of a sovereign, or
purchased for gold from some venal court. These are plain words; perhaps
offensive to the self-love of some timid being, who sees the evil, yet
is afraid to sneak. But it is time to speak out, and we trust that our
words will not give offence, and only lead to reflection upon that which
is too self-evident to be denied. We do not despair of the republic of
our religion, or else we would be silent, and throw a veil of oblivion
as far as we would be able to do so over faults which we knew no means
of remedying; but in truth we believe that the ancient spirit is merely
slumbering, and only needs rousing to bring it back into active life.
Would! that we could thunder in every ear, stir up the dormant energies
of every heart, in order that all might listen to the word of
instruction, and every spirit be made quick in the work of regeneration.
But, alas! Few only are willing to be instructed, the many think there
is no disease, they dream of peace while there is warfare. And still it
is these few who must be stimulated to the work, though their number be
extremely small; they must urge, and entreat, and guide whomever comes
in their way, that day by day the band of devoted servants may increase,
until that righteousness shall prevail in every place, and religion be
made the chief business of life, whereas now it is postponed so often
and so glaringly to mere worldly pursuits.
To
the wise and thinking pure worldliness is something so revolting that he
could not submit the energies of his mind to a pursuit which has nothing
spiritual in its nature or tendencies. It is, therefore, inconceivable
how so many of our people can permit themselves to be so engrossed by
matters of mere business as to neglect to so great a degree as they do
their spiritual welfare. There is surely nothing inherent in the nature
of Israelites why they should be so enthusiastic in the acquisition of
wealth, which nevertheless so universally eludes their grasp. It is no
doubt the force of circumstances which by long oppression engendered
gradually the baleful love of gain, which our enemies wish to represent
as characteristic of our race, so much so that the name of
"Jew" is used as synonymous for "rich" and
"miser." It is disgraceful that we do so little to throw off
the ignominy which thus attaches itself to us; it is cowardly that we
are content to sit down with this opprobrium resting upon our fair fame.
It would be of little moment were this state of things merely to affect
our reputation in the eyes of the gentile world. But the evil reaches
far deeper in its destroying force. Religious sentiment is fearfully
suffering under its influence, and it is for this that we would invoke
the aid of all the brethren of whatever degree and station. In a matter
which concerns all so nearly as does the state of religion, there can be
no uninterested parties; it is every body's business, and every body
therefore ought to do something in its behalf. No one is so humble but
he may exert some influence, especially if sincerity arms the tongue
with persuasiveness, and lends enchantment to a consistent course of
life. And let no one say that words fall idly upon the ear of an
unwilling listener; yes, he may turn his head away; he may let wrath
kindle up in his heart to hear himself reproved or corrected; but the
words of truth have nevertheless been spoken, and they will not fail of
effecting something, however little this may be. Of one thing the humbly
pious may be convinced, that they who are gifted with eloquence, whose
lips drop the honey of words that burn—who appear before admiring
crowds, and see hundreds flocking to be instructed by their oratorical
power, feels but too keenly how little they can effect, how small the
work they actually do perform in the arresting of vice and the
propagation of the good; for they stand humbled, are sick of the very
praise they obtain, because they perceive that so little reformation is
produced by the labour of giant minds—by exertions that well-nigh wear
out the frame that the spirit may soar upwards. All such as these can do
is merely to give an impulse to the direction of the public mind, and it
must be left to the individuals to accomplish what the leaders have
commenced; and the individuals alone can carry round amongst their
associates what has been enkindled within themselves of the holy spirit
of true devotion.
But
shall we act as isolated beings? without concert, without union, without
energy? Are there none who are willing to give up now and then their own
pursuits to aid in the cause of religion? Shall wisdom for ever call at
the top of the streets and the many be unwilling to heed her invitation,
to enter her abode, to taste of the viands she has prepared? Let us hope
that this may not be; but that, though by slow degrees, the conviction
may become rife in the minds of many that there is a world to live for,
holier, purer than earthly life; that there is a pursuit sweeter, truer
than the acquisition of wealth; and that all who so feel may unite their
energies of soul, and combine the influence of their respective stations
to aid in the good cause which is now suffering from the slothfulness of
its servants, and the active energy of its enemies. It is time that
petty jealousies arising from a difference of denominations were
banished far, far from among us; for are we not all sons of Israel? all
children of the same noble stock? all taught by the same wisdom? all
servants of the same One God? Why, then, that distance between families?
why that ill-will between congregations? It is enough to cause a
philanthropist to weep over such short-sighted folly as we daily
witness; it is enough to excite the hopes of our enemies that now they
see clearly a means of breaking down the faith of Israel, seeing how
little union there is among
us here; where we are at liberty to worship our God as our heart
dictates; seeing how many from sheer indifference prefer the union with
the gentiles to the fellowship of Abraham's household. Mothers, fathers,
and teachers ought to weigh well the awful responsibility that rests
upon them in the premises; and the leaders of the congregations should
see to it that something be done to do honour to the law, and that due
glory be rendered to our Father in heaven. The evil, they may be
assured, is pressing, but is not yet past all remedy; and with a good
trust in Him who has always protected Israel, let all unite, and the
result will be glorious, and the reward sure, as is the goodness of the
Lord unto those who love Him and seek for his favour.
(To
be continued.) |
