Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1875-09-30
RosH HAsHoNAH.

0Q9GA
This is the Jewish New Years day and
it is strictly observed. All their stores
and places Of business are closed in good
faith while they attend the peculiar OBJ
a of the day. Yesterday even
ing the seventh month in the Jewish &C.
clesiastical year (Tishri) began a new
year, 1886, since the creation, according
to Jewish chronology. Or that evening
and the day succeeding the sound oil the
shofer or cornet is heard in the syna-
gogue proclaiming a solemn assembly
to the Lord and calling the people to re-
pentance and an examination OF them
selves in view of the Day Of Atonement
that is to follow. Two days are usually
observed. The FIRST day is the most SOL
emn of the year. The authority for com
m~emorating this day and occasion IS
found in Levitt. xxxiii, "a, and other scat
tered passages of scripture. Its annual
coming has a temporary influence Tor
good over Jewish minds, but when
the holidays are over a season OF
mirth and revelry ensues, and most
of the good impressions made by
this memorial season disappear like the
wasted fabric Of a dream. Happy,
says the Jewish Messenger commenting
on this subj ect, " happy those Israelltes
who, on the morning of theNew Year,
will resolve to lead a better life, to deter
mine to looS OF the Decalogue adjoining
their religious shrines, not as an orna-
ment connected with the edifce, but as
a monition to them to observe the words
written with the finger Of God" But
happier they who shall pat such resolves
and determinations into daily practice.
The devotion Of the Jewish people to
their race and the rites Of their faith ex-
cites the admiration OF the world. Their
history is one Of the wonders OF the
earth. Through ages Of persecution,
captivity, and humiliation they have pre-
served their identity, their forms Of wor-
sbip and national characteristics. In
all lands they are in many respects the
same; often cast down, but never de-
stroyed, and always making the most of
their opportunities. When they had q
land and a government Of their own
they were a warlike and heroic people.
For centuries they we're the most power
full nation upon earth. and not only car
ried the ark of religion in their
midst, but the treasures OF an
tiouity and sacred learning that
have since illumined the earth. TIE
idea that they might return and possess
the Holy Land some day, and the fact
of their dispersion to all lands accounts
for their commercial pursuits. In many
countries they have been little more
than serfs or slaves, but the hope Of
nationality aud freedom ' left them.
OF late years their condition has become
more tolerable in most countries, and
to-day we see a Jew Prime Minister of
England, a position he is likely to hold
as long as he lives. This country has
been 10 them as the promised land. All
positions are open TO them, and they are
not only wealthy, prosperous and happy,
but hold the highest places Of honor and
distinction TO which they may .aspire.
While some are strictly orthodox, a large
class, known as the Reformed 5ews, keep
pace withthe progressive spirito Of the age,
and have dropped the more rigid obsery-
anees. The prejudice which, to some
extent, has existed against them has
we'll nigh disappeared in the United
States. They are liberal, public. spirited
citizens, punctual in the discharge OF
their obligations and faithful in all the
relations of life. In this city they rank
among our best citizens, and as a CLASS are
highly esteemed and respected. Such
favorable conditions are scarcely pos
sible Under any other government than
ours, and afford another proof Of the
grand march Of civilization and true
refinement in this age, and especially on
this continent.