The herald., 1896-03-30
WAS F|TT|NGLY OBSERVED
THE ISRAELITES OF THE CITY CELE.
BRATED PASSOVER
Both Congregations Chose nasonic Halls in
Which to Meet-Addresses of DIR. SOL
omon and DR.. Edeiman Services Today
by the Orthodox Congregation

Feast of Passover yesterday, both of the
local Hebrew congregations holding special
services in the morning commemorative of
their Easter day. Rabbi NJ. G.. Soloman
preached at the Masonic Temple on the
corner of First and Spring streets, where
the B'nai Birth reform congregation held
forth. and Rev. A. W. Edelman delivered
tine sermon at the Masonic hall ON Spring
street, below the Nadeau hotel, for the
Moses MoDtefiore. an Orthodox conRrega-
ton. Both services were we'll attended,
the one presided over by DR.. Soloman be-
ing packed to overlooking. The subject of
DR.. Soloman's address was Israel's Mis-
sion, his sermon being as follows:
OF all the holidays instituted by Moses,
our lawgiver, Passover, or the feast of un-
leavened bread, occupies the most promi-
nent position in our festive calendar; it
ranks first and foremost, both in chrono-
logical order and in historical significance.
1t is tho first festival enjoined upon the
starting point of our religious existence;
and it is 'the time of our redemption,"
and thus marks the birth of Israel.
Israel's redemption from Egyptian bond
age was of worldwide significance: it
brought freedom, not only to the Hebrew
people oppressed and enslaved, but
in the course of time to the world at
large. Memorable is the day, that day
of our ancestors liberation from the
land of thralldom; for it marks the be-
ginning of a new era in the history of
humanity. the dawn of all human progress
and civilization. A new order of things
now sets in, destined to supplant the old,
and to save man from impendent total
ruin and annihilation. The world is
shrouded in thick darkness, stepped in
gross ignorance and superstition, held in
iron chains of bondage by crafty priests
and mighty despots. Israel is chosen to
become a light unto the nations, to bring
salvation unto mankind, freedom to the
human family, to preach and teach liberty,
equality, fraternity, universal father
hood and brotherhood. All-important. all
| significant ana full OF meaning is therefore
| the message OF Moses unto his people: Ask
| you why Israel was chosen for this noble, ,sa-
! cred and holy mission, what were his merits
or deserts? Israel was destined to become
the teacher of mankind. HE was re-
deemed say our rabbis, ION account of
| three things: He did not change his name;
he did not change his language; and be-
cause of his pious women In other
words, Israel preserved his identity, fos-
tered the spirit of his ancestors: and all
this because of the sanctity of his home
| life. This severe test Israel mad stood for
| 300 years, and longer, and thus proved
himself competent to become nation
strong and mighty, free and independent
the leader in the onward march of civiliza-
ton. Long and hard was this trial-this,
our forefathers' sojourn in Egypt, this
| l.
for 210 years. They had almost
lost all hope of redemption, all
thought of freedom, all trust and
confidence, all courage and self-reliance.
| Well could Moses now say unto this
people: Today you go forth in the month
| of spring; for il nature was then teeming
| with life and vigor, so were the children of
! Israel.
Did they believe in those words of their
redeemer? Could they trust him, rely on
him? Was he not perhaps dreamer and
adventurer? Would he not betray their
cause-deliver and liberate them, and then
become a tyrant and usurper, and hold
cruel sway over them? For if Israel pos
sessed all the requisites TO grow into a
strong and mighty people, to become the
promulgator of freedom, equality, frater-
nifty, the worlds preacher and teacher of
justice, righteousness and faithfulness; if
he was qualified, and therefore chosen for
this holy mission-to be the champion of
humanity; if ne was to accomplish this
sacred task. he had to have leader of
sterling character, man not only Of
courage and fortitude. but of honesty, sim
cerity and uprighrness. hero true to his
charge. Was Moses the man? Who
would doubt it! His brethren believed
in him, relied on him. He also had stood
the test of tirne in the palace of Pharoah
same, true son of Israel. He retained
his name, preserved his identity, fostered
the traditions of his fathers, and enter
tanned the same love and affection to-
wards his people as in the days of early
childhood when still nourished and nur-
tured by his loving mother. Circum-
stances and surroundings could not spoil
his character, make him arrogant
and vainglorious, naughty and impe-
rious. for in his parents humble home
he had learned to fear his Father in
Heaven and to love his brother on earth, to
Il sn. md oh 10,
ness and humility. Israel, therefore, not
only believed, but hailed with joy, this
divine message of Moses:
To-day you go forth in the month of
spring.
But the Hebrew slave delivered from
Egyptian bondage was not yet free. True,
his body Was enthralled no longer, but his
soul (spirit) was. When the heavy yoke
of slavery fell from his neck, he rejoiced
and was glad. But when danger was nigh,
peril in sight; when hunger and thirst
stared him in the face; when enemies fol-
lowed close to his heels and threatened
destruction, he had not the courage and
fortitude to endure and to meet them.
Then he would wish he was dead. OF
still slave in Egypt. where he could get
plenty of flesh and fish to eat and to
drink to his hearts content. He had no
sense for liberty; he could not appreciate
freedom. His redemption was therefore
not complete until he had learned to love
his liberty, to appreciate freedom. And
this lesson he learned in the long run of
centuries, for the Thorah was his teacher,
the wilderness, Palestine and Babylon his
school of experience. Again, Israel had
stood the severe test of time, and thus
proven himself, both physically and spir-
ituaily, well qualified and worthy to be-
come the moral and religious guide of hui
manity-the preacher and teacher of Mon.
otheism. Again the message comes from
on high:
"Today you go forth in the month of
spring." In the prime of your spiritual
life to preach and teach to the world lib
erty, equality, fraternity, freedom,
justice and righteousness, uni
versal fatherhood and brotherhood.
Scattered all over the face of the earth for
these 1900 years and longer, Israel has
ever remained true and faithful to his
mission. Rome's iron-clad soldiery could
burn down his temple. raze his capital, de-
stroy his cities, devastate, lay waste his
country and put to sword all its inhab-
tants, men, women and children all alike,
without distinction; but they could not
crush his spirit, extinguish his soul. Popcs
and potentates could persecute him, rob
him, torture him, murder him, condemn
him to the flames; but they could not de-
stroy his conscience. his belief, his God.
How many died, either by fire or sword,
with these last words on their qlivering
lips: Hear, o Israel, the Eternal is Our
God, the Eternal is One. And this, his
faith in Faveh with all that it i'm
plies, freedom, justice and right
eousness could not but sooner or later,