The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-05-29

book of the worlds history. The greatest
historians of the present day, as well as
the most learned men we have with us
today view with establishment and admir-
alton this historical treasure gathered up
thousands CT years ago, and which COM
prses in itself so much of material for
and of spiritual and intellectual attain
ment.
Prominent above all things contained
in the Bible history is the story of the
Exodus. All the books of the Pentaouch
and the prophets are replete with pass
ages and sayings referring to the Exodus
as an historical fact, and exhortation is
made on every occasion as to the remem-
brance thereof that must never cease
from amidst the children of Israel. So
even the Decalogue, that great and in
initable document of the ages. which for
centuries has stood, and stands today, as
the only standard teaching of human
civilization, even that Is based upon the
same proposition, and it opens up with
tho declaration, IT am the Lord thy God.
who brought thee forth out of the land
of Egypt"
The story of the Exodus is thus truly
regarded as the foundation stone upon
which rests the entire superstructure of
Israel's faith, and 1t is interviewer with
the whole fabric of which Judaism is
formed. Not single prayer is there in
the liturgy of the synagogue, but where
the mention of the departure from Egypt
is a prominent feature. The sanctif1ca-
ton of the Sabbaths and the festivals is
invariably memorial of the departure
from Egypt" the chapter enjoinlng Israel
upon the wearing of the fringes has
special mention of the same. The phylac-
teries laid on by the pious Israelite every
morning inclose in their receptacles two
chapters of scripture containing an &C.
count of the Exodus. The grace after
meal, the morning and evening prayers,
whether offered up at the synagogue
or the home of an 1sraelite, all bear
especial reference to the departure from
Egypt.
I'm order that thou mayest remember
the day of thy going forth out of the
land of Egypt all the days of thy life"
Such were the words addressed to the
people OF Israel upon entering their ma
tional career and carrying along the mes
sage of freedom to the world. The re-
n,embrance of this glorious event is
therefore the imperative duty devolved
upon an Israelite every day In the year.
but 1t is especially on the passover. the
anniversary of freedoms birth, that the
event is emphasized by recital of its
history, recalling of the wonders dis
played in Egypt, a revival of the sweet
and precious memories connected there
with, and a performance of the beautiful
and poetic home ceremonies. The ''seder'
service, rich in the grandeur Of solemnity
and symbolism, is well calculated to leave
it's imprint upon the minds and the
hearts of the rising generations in Israel.
The "watch-night of the Lord sees the
houses of Israel year by year reunited In
loyalty to the ancient faith.s On this
''watch-night" the mates are displayed
and the bitter herbs, and the choice wines
for the -four cups" which none of the
members of the Jewish household dare
ornit-all arrayed In fitting order, while
previous to this there are various prepa-
rations made, such as the process of the
removal of tho leaven, and the numerous
other things attending the Passover cele-
bration. What does it all mean? Such
and similar questions are to be asked by
the Juvenile members of the Jewish
household in the course of the ceremonial
and they are to be answered by their ell
ders and the more informed In a way that
may carry conviction and make deep
and lasting impression upon their minds,
and in such manner h,ep alive for per-
petual generations the recollection IF that
glorious event which gave the world the
blessing of freedom and of moral duty
Mention Is hereby made of the fact that
Israel has withstood. and is SO bound to
withstand, the attacks of enemies thai
in all ages and generations would arise
| to annihilate him; but that HE who Is
| the Guardian of Israel will always de.
| liver us out of their hands" In such
manner. therefore, the spirit Of optimism
prevails. and the Hebrew race Is pre-
served to the latest generation.
! With the exception of the offering oil