Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1875-04-22
ISRAEL.
The Mission Of the Jews Religious and
Not National,
Rabbi RaIiseh on The Feast of the
PassOveF-Why the D~eIiVeFance from
EgVpt Is COMMUNICATED.

Rabbi haIisch on the Feast Of the
PaSsOVer-Why the DeIiveranee from
Egypt is COmmemOrafed.
In his passover sermon to the Jewish
congregation on Monday, the Rabbi, Rev.
Dr.. IsidOT Kalisch, advanced the following
ideas and doctrines:
Although the meaning Of the Passover
festival is clear, 1t seems highly necessary
10 give some explanation concerning it.
We see, that lSraelitCs all over the world
ara still celebrating the deliyerance Of their
ancestors from the Egyptian bondage, after
several thousands Of years. Should any
one ask whether that was the last redemp-
ton from human oppression that we cele-
brate, we must answer, it was the first; be-
cause 1t has happened very often since, that
the heads Of Israel experienced sorrow and
distress; so that they had to exclaim in
their dire Circumstances. The latter trOu-
bles make US forget the first ones, The
Levy wonders pushed away the old ones.
As the prophet jeremiah said rs, Z, s.
d" Therefore, behold the days are
coming, saith the Lord, that they shall no
more say: the Lord liveth which brought
up the children Of Israel out Of the land Of
Egypt; but the Lord liveth which brought
them up from all countries, etc. These
pnUphetiCal words were frequently verified.
The Talmud illustrated is in q very peril
nent parable. Apilgrim travelled man I'M
inhabited country. he was there attacked
by a ragenOus wolf and was saved in a
wonderful way.
1t is very natural that be would speak Of
anything else but of his encounter with
the vOraciOUs wolf and his deliverance.
But when be continued his journey, he
met q roaring lion on his way, threatening
to deVOUr him, and he was rescued
again. The danger was greater than be-
fore, and his deliveranCe was still more
wonderful. He does not talk any more Of
his rescue from the jaws Of a wolf, because
his soul is filled up with thanks towards
God, who saved him from the mouth Of a
raging lion. When he travelled further, be
met suddenly one Of the most viruleut
snakes; but from the poisonous and deadly
bite Of which he was {saved again. The
former events pass into the background, and
he praises God for the last miraculous re-
demption.
This ancient smile of our Q can al
ways be applied to Israel travelling among
the nations. And, although history, piled
up m~Ountain-high between the redemption
of Israel from Egypt and the present time,
We shall, nevertheless, celebrate that more
than all other events. The question is, why
shall this festival be particularly solemn
izet2 There are given two reasons for eel
ebratingthe Passover festival: /. L reminds
Of the grand mission of Israel. 2. It ex-
plains its history and the duties Of honor.
The Rabbi showed that the centre Of i'm
pOItanCe Of the great event lies in the de
paItuTe from Egypt. In this circumstance
alone was revealed the divine aim and OBJ
jet. Israel was appointed FOR a mission
which should excel the highest pyramids
built by the Egyptians. They shall lead a
life. They shall surpaSs them in
virtucus beauty, piety, knowledge and
arts, etc.
There is no wonder that Israel believes |
in his mission, because history t~estiies |
that since Israel went forth from Egypt
war was commenced against heathenism
and maieTialism, which has not yet ended.
The great weight which Israel laid in the
scales of civilization, and his historical
mission, cannot be denied or explained
away. Having maintained that no eVter-
pal attack could ever hinder Israel in his \
mission, the Doctor said: Indeed, it IS a
wonderful appearance that a nation sur
'IVcd IFS own destruction, not merely for
hundreds, but for thousands Of years, and
here Is only n explanation why Israel is
like a tree with new tWigs, new
n delicious fruits. Its mission
IS not a national, but a religious n Not
- q nation, but IS a religious community
shall 1t work and participate in the spiritual
Development of humanity. The national
independence 1ghich Israel gained Jy his
departure from Eggpt 5CGS OEIy the means,
,ut not his end and aim.
1t should help him to learn first his own
Palestine aud Jerusalem were
he schools, colleges, or universities where
srael had to study. He was hardly done
With his lessons, and his political life fell
,f like a shell, and, instead Of destruction.
'e began his real mission. They were
preading all over the world carving the
.ivine commission: "YOu are the witnesses
nd l am God"
The meaning is, il was very hard for
srael TO bear witness. They slandered
hem in the fac, scorued them, and they
always a grudge against them; but in
he same annals We find also registered that
hey could not be destroyed, and instead to
ecUme old and OutWorn, Israel stands now
mOng all civilized nations vigorous and re-
enera.ed, and we hearthe true cOnsolatcrv
lords: And you who are faithful TO God,
are still full Of life and strength.
The Rabbi concluded with a touching
and a feryent PRAYER.
DR.. haliSch preached an interesting ser
non in German at the same place yester-
ay morning, on "H0w to SOlemnizs the ,
Festival 1t was listened TO
18th marked attention by the congreca-
ion and was something elaborate Of its
ind. The Passover festival viii end next
and the concluding sermon will
e preached on the day preceding by the