The herald., 1896-03-30

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fibre in lsrael's body, and instilled it with
vitality and stability. AS long, therefore,
as the children of Israel clung faithfully
to Gods teachings, they were strong,
mighty and unconquerabe; but as soon as
they abandoned Gods teachings, they be-
came weak. infirrn, ailiug, and were
nearly on the brink of death and ex-
tlnction. 1t is fact almost beyond
any doubt, that every abrogation. every
abolishment of any of the essential re-
ligious precepts, every neglect III the exc
cuton of our sacred duty inflicts a painful
wound on Israel's body, and almost
shortens his days upon the face OF the
earth.
Some Of you, my friends, may raise an
objection to my assertion: some of you
may say: is not Israel in this country
very flourishing, Notwithstanding that they
are trespassing against many a command
ment of the Almighty?'
1t is true that, physically, our people in
America are indeed thriving and increasing
in health, wealth and prosperity, yet,
spiritually, am very sorry to say that the
majority of them are indeed very, very
sick, and their sickness is being bequeathed
with great rapidity to their children, among
whom it is assuming a serious aspect, and
it ia very much to be feared that IL will
at last gradually eat away their entire
spiritual life.
And does not experience truly corrobo-
rate this fact? Is not almost every spark
of true religion eXtinguished in the hearts
of our young generation of this country? ?
Are not our American men and women
estranged from Judaism? Have they not
lost all their inclination and love for the
synagogue, for the temple, for the Bible,
and for nearly everything that is holy in
the Jewish religion, and are they not almost
they not do most anything to mimic and to
ape the Christian world? And how
pleased, are they not. when they are told
that they do not even look like Judah.
These irreligious neglects. which have
taken possession of the young hearts of our
people, are the outgrowth of the indifference
which parents exhibit toward holiness and
godliness; yes, toward the statutes and
judgments which the Lord our God has
commanded us. And in order TO remedy
this evil our great teacher, Moses. has
taught us not only to practice Gods laws,
but to observe them aud to do
them. Religious practice for few
hold Judaism. 1t is not sufficient for
children merely to know that they must
honor and love their parents, they must
prove their reverence and realize their love
by obedience, compliance end submis-
siveness.
And so must we their parents, in order
to become true Israelites, we must be
obedient children of our heavenly father,
we must not only acquaint ourselves with
the teachings of religion but we must OBJ
serve and do all the laws which the Lord
our God has commanded. That very little
ca.echisn and biblical lessons which your
children receive in the Hebrew school (if
they receive them at ALL, will only impart
to them a mere knowledge of the theory of
our religion, which without practice, must
surely in the course of time vanish from
their minds.
Ii, however, we as parents VIII set to our
children religious examples at home, and
see that they too should act up to them and
live up to them, then will they become
truly attached for Judaism and for its
sacred religion, then they will ever work
zealously and untiringiy for the improve
ment and gloritication of Israel, and thus
promote their own happiness.
All tho bliss and preservation of Israel 9
future depend entirely upon demeanor
and department towards our Creator. his
holy teachings, and towards our children.
"May We ever strive to be lsraelites, not
merely by name, but by principle, by ac-
ton and by practice. Let the statutes and
laws which the Lord has commanded us,
be as dear to us, as is our lives. Then shall
we be worthy of Gods grace and of his
promise: 'That he will turn the hearts of
the fathers towards the children, and the
hearts of the children towards their
fathers. Amen"
The orthodox congregation held another
service last evening and will meet again
for prayers this morning."