Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-10-10
IN ,ADA'rH-ISRAEL'S AID
CONTRIBUTIONS TOWARD THE
BUILDING OF THE SYNAGOGUE.
Interesting Sermon by DR.. Loeb and
His Appeal to the congrega-
ton for Funds.

At the "Yom-Kippur'' festival observed
by the Adath-Israel congregation in the old
synagogue at 9th and g streets northwest
Rabbi julius T. Loeb preached a sermon OF
great interest to his community and very
appropriate to it's present condition. The
theme was ''Penitence, Prayer and Benevo-
lence." He said in substance: This day
lifts us out of all the turmotls and drudg-
cries OF daily life. of all humiiiating circum-
stances Of class and caste Today we are
no longer the egotistic humans. seeking for
self-gain and self-interest; but we now
stand all reconciled with each other, all
Inundated before God.
The suppression OF all the bodily func-
tiOns during the whole day presents to US
q noble example Of the soufs rest. and or
tion Of accomplished duty The great aim
and purpose OF the blessed 'Yom-kippur
Is to teach US to overcome earthly sensual
tiles. to withstand temptation. to endure
and persevere under all trying circum-
stances, to harden our faith and trust In
God. TO fortify the weak points IN our char
acter and to outroot all bad habits which
are destructive to the soul.
II ambition and worldly pleasures have
blinded our reason, this blessed day Is TO
remind us of eternal justice. Ii arrogance
and self-sufficiency have caused US to Ill
treat and Cypress those of our Fellow crea-
lures who are less fortunate than we; 70
shut our ears unto the cry of anguish. ana
our eyes to the distress of the needy ones
this day should make us more charitable
In our opinion of others, more reserved IN
our estimate of self, more benevolent in all
the things that claim our attention. IL we
feel that we have failed In our duty, reiig-
ious or moral; or we have been guilty OF
betrayal Of trust, of selfishness and aVar-
iciousness, or any other depravity-then let
us rise at our first and best opportunity 10
hSy ma
rifice, the necessary atonement before the
Lord. s-~--@
It takes some effort on the part Of q per-
son before his conscience Is awakened 10
an acknowledgment of wrong In any Oh
rection But once the guilt has been &C
knowIedged and the moment one mas taken
upon himself to amend his conduct IN the
line that his guilt Is discovered MS oeVo-
ton is acceptable. And this manner 1t Is
that zone may acquire his world in one
moment, as our blessed teachers have ex-
pressed it; for the penitent or out one mo-
ment is likely to become the perfect man
In all future time.
The Almighty certainly knows all our
wishes. and prayers ere We have expressed
them with our lips, and yet 1t Is for our
special benefit that we are enJoined TO pray
before the Lord of all Spirits. 1t is to
strengthen our trust in Him and confirm
our thoughts in the resolves for good and
the determination to act we'll and wisely In
all future time, In consequence OF which
we may Justly hope that our Heavenly Fa-
Their in His, mercy will look upon US from
His holy habitation to grant our desires
and bless and prosper our endeavors.
"Penitence, prayer and benevolence rend
the evil decree" say our sages Of blessed
memory. land the virtue Of true benevo-
lence Is never left unrequited." Not only
: in the hereafter, and not only In the pleas
ing satisfaction of your conscience. but
even in way that Win answer your ma
terial purposes. Be kind and benevolent
and heaven will smile upon your actions
ard render easy for you the struggle OF
earthly existence. Open your hearts and
your purses toward every worthy cause and
prosperity will be yours and the blessing OF
heaven viii enter your dwelling and crown
the work OF your hands.
Rabbi Loeb then made another powerful
;plea,,for, aid in. the erection of the proposed
new synagogue. A total Of 800 was con
tributed toward this work at the close OF
the service.