The Washington times., 1901-09-14
SORROW IN THE SERVICE.
Prayers for the President mt Fcnt
Gf ROsh Hashonnh.

Overcast with the gloomy expectancy
OF sorrowful tidings. the first service OF
the feast of Rosh Has:Ionah. the Jewish
New Year. was celebrated at the syna-
gogue on Eighth Street northwest last
night. Sentiments were voiced in the
prayer of Rabbi Stern. which found echo
in the hearts of members of the cougre-
cation. They had entered the portals
fearful that when they emerged the
streets would be ringing with news of a
calamity world wide in effect Clouded
in anxiety for the Chief Magistrate of
country kind to the prosecuted of
Israel. was the rejoicing Characteristic of
the festival beginning the Ten Days of
Atonement.
Rabbi Stern delivered his address in
the form of most eloquent prayer.
Reference to the subject foremost in the
minds of all of the great congregation
came early in the prayer. An opening
sentence or two and Rabbi Stern said
with increased earnestness and fervor:
Grant us strength that under the stress
of the great anxiety shared by every
feeling heart, near and far. We may be
able to direct mind and heart upon this
hour and the spiritual lesson it Affords"
This was followed by an eloquent plea
for the realization of the divine goodness
of God, appreciation of his divine works
and supplication for strength to bear the
burdens ne should see fit to bestow.
Then Rabbi Stern concluded:
BLESS our dear country. and from the
innermost recesses of our hearts do we
implore thee, bless, strengthen and
speedily restore to perfect health our be-
loved Chief Magistrate, thy servant,
William Mckinley.
While for days past our hearts were
gladdened and our spirit rejoiced, sus-
tained and uplifted by confidence in his
recovery, which seemed almost assured,
our souls are once more stirred by grav-
est anxiety and apprehension for the
precious life. Grant. oh Father, that our
fears may prove unfounded; that the ca
lamity may be averted, and life spared,
dear and precious to all who love the low
able, the good, and the great Grant him
many years of health and happiness at
the side of his beloved wife, and may he
be permitted to wisely guide an admiring
nation to still happier heights of pros
perity, contentment, and peace.
Bless this congregation in the future
as in the past Bless Israel in all it's hab-
itations. May prejudice and hatred speed
lily vanish and may it be our highest aim
and nobiest privilege always and every
where to aid in the strivings of mankind
toward higher civilization and a nobler
humanity, united in justice, brotherhood,
and love"
The details of the service were the same
ritualistic ones of former years. Espe-
cially elaborate was the music. quar-
tet, consisting of Mrs. N. w. Shirr-Cliff,
soprano: Mrs. Margaret N. Martin, alto;
William Z. Mcfarland, tenor, and John
Fl. Nolan, basso, rendered selections.
Verdis Lord of the World'' was the
principal modern rendition.
Service will also be held at the syna-
gogue this morning. 1t will be longer,
more elaborate, and characterized by the
blowing of the shofar or rams horn. a
custom which has endured through all
the ages whenever the children of Israel
were free enough from persecution to
gather together on the first day of Tishri
for the celebration of their greatest feast
day. Three blasts will be blown. The
first. declarative of the sovereignty of
God. will be followed by one significant
of his relation to man. while the third
proclaims mans duty to God. DIR. Stern
will deliver a sermon, and the same quar-
tette will provide music. rendering II
VIII Hope in Thy Salvation" by Ros-
sini.