The morning call., 1893-10-03

But, my friends, never was a greater mis-
take uttered. The Jew should take an
active interest-nOt. to be sure, in that
kind of politics which represents all that
is base and vicious in our political sys-
tenn, but that higher and nobIer grade OF
politics that tends to elevate the standard
of American citizenship. He should
aspire to political positions, and IL elected
be should fill them with honesty. with
probity and with integrity; for l am con-
vinced that in no way can an American
citizen of the jewish faith bring greater
honor upon his people than by strict adj
hereuce TO all that is honest In the per-
formance of his political duties.
''But there is an element of danger that
continually menaceS Onr race in the very
proposition of political aspirations. /
would rather thousand times see total
abstinence from all participation in public
affairs than to see single Jew prove false
to his trust Aud why? because. unfor-
tunately, our Gentle friends are still in
clined to look upon the individual as the
type Of the Face.
LET John Jones commit a felony and
John Jones as such is the only one who
suffers, but let jew commit crime and
the entire Jewish race get more or less of
the blame.
And so it will be one of the objects Of
the Ohabai Shalome Auxiliary Association
to prove to the world that we can be Ameri-
can citizens and patriots first and Jews
sec nd.
"And in this very matter of citizenship
there is much that can be said. 1t is true
that we have been given a glorious herit-
age in this free land-the heritage of lib
erty. But for that liberty the country
makes certain demands upon us as citizens.
And | believe 1t to be the absolute duty of
every Jew to refrain from shrking single
duty that devolveS upon him as an Amer
lean citizen. There is no doubt in my
mind but that great deal of the prejudice
that exists in some European countries
against our c0-rellRionists arises from
causes of this kind. Many and many
q Jewish youth in Germany serves but
one year In the army, while his Gentle
neighbOr, frequently not so literally en-
dOwed with brains and intelligence. and
therefore unable to pass successful eX-
animation, is compelled to serve three
years, and what's the result? Hatred
and contempt hold sway; Jew-baiting is
looked upon as an Innocent amusement.
and the old cry of Help. helpp is heard
only too often. and untold cruelty is In
1icted upon hundreds OF innocent suffer
ers-and why? Because a handful OF Jews
are anxious to shirk the duties and re-
spon sibilties of citizenship.
"But there are many cognate questions
affecting the welfare OF our people aud
particularly of this congrega ton, that will
be discussed by the proposed association.
Ii the congregation be successful in erect
ing new house of worship, if the young
people will come forward ana lend their
aid, for as | said at the commencement of
this discourse. upon them will soon fall the
duty of carrying and holding aloft the flag
of Judaism, there is no question in my
mind but that, in this community at least,
the word Jew will become Synonymous
with all that is liberal, all that is progress
sve. all that Is public Espirited, all that is
enterprising-in short. all that is grand
and noble in this life."
Last night was the 'eve OF rejoicing"
preceding the anniversary OF the giving Of
the law to the people by Moses. That
event will be commemorated to-day with
appropriate ceremonies.
AT the celebration last night all the chill
dren of the Sabbath h-school marched into
the church. waving flags and banners and
making all sorts OF exhibitions of childish
glee.
NAfter they had marched once around
the interior five OF the elder took their
places at the head of the procession, each
carrying a scroll, on which is inscribed
one of the books of the law given by Moses
to the people more than three thousand
years ago.
This ceremony is only performed once a
year and is always accOmpf MED by ey.
dences of great rejoicing on the part of all
the people, and the older mem mbers of the
congregation felt heir hearts warmed last
hight by the happy faces of the little tots
until grand-lookiDg men and matronly
wOmen's faces were also wreathed in
smiles, and all parto0k in the grand re-
joicing.