The Denver Jewish news., 1924-10-02
The Eternal Melody
BY MORRIS CLARK

David Lifshitz had known Fanny
Block for the past twelve years, ever
since they went to school together.
They played al learned and romped
and skipped together without the slight
est fOrebOding of what the future had
in store for them. Fanny's parents
were well TO do business people, who
immgrated from Russia some thirty
years before, and now they were known
us German Jews, although they did not
belong to the temple nor did they asso-
ciate with any of the Jews in the COM
munity of that pretty little town in the
Hudson Valley. The younger children
of the Blocks hardly knew they We're of
Jewish descent The family lived in Il
non-Jcwish neighborhood and associated
exclusively with gentiles. The only
Jew that frequently visited them was
David The latter was a true son of
Israel in every sense of the word. lie
attended daily the local Hebrew school,
studied diligently the Bible and became
thoroughly posted on Jewish history
and literature. Eventually. he became
steeped and saturated with Jewish SEN
timent and staunch loyalty to Jewish
ideals and principles.
During his first few visits they usu-
ally engaged in conversation about their
graduation. diplomas, marks and other
school matters. But soon their school
talk had become exhausted and after
each visit David felt more and more
that their school day friendship was
rapidly wearing off. Whenever he
brought up Jewish subject in his CON
versation, Fanny would interrupt him
with n sarcastic remark such as, You
and your Jews" and would proceed 10
bore him with fiippant narratives about
her good times and her association with
lovely Christian young men," and sim
liar small talk. one day she frankly
told him that she was surprised to hear
him constantly discuss Jewish matters.
Yet. in spite of her apathy 10 Jews and
her becoming more Indifferent TO him
every day, he began to value her
friendship all the more. Indeed, he be
came so strongly attached to her that
he had resolved 10 try and change her
sentiments towards the Jewish people.
But each time he tried to explain her
something relating to Jews, she would
abrutly turn her back to him, sit down
ut the piano and play something.
one day after such scene, David
entreated her to do him favor.
IF possibly can do it, l shall not
refuse you" she replied curtly.
why don't you play some Jewish
music? ! am sure there is plenty of
good Jewish music" continued David in
"A very appealing tone.
at may be there is" replied Fanny
coldly, but l don't know of any lew
ish music, have never heard of any
/ Anyhow. Tschaikowsky is good enough
for me-
When Fanny finished playing tho
Russian romance, She stood up before
David and, looking him square in the
face. she said David, | don't under
stand you; why do You always boost
the Jews? No matter whether | tall
about literature, art, poetry. or music
ycu inevitably will ring in the Jews
I think David that you are very funny
! At times you amuse me
David Lifschitz dropped his head
turned pale and remained silent for {
few seconds. Suddenly, lie looked NJ
to her and exclaimed, boldly. You ma!
think me funny if you will, but l tel
YOU. we Jews also have great com
ruScrs, wonderful compositions and {
wealth of interesting folk music VIII!
MS a Jewish daughter wouldn't you tr.
to become familiar with our music, nn,
through It form correct idea Of wha
a beautiful soul our people reall.
. possess
Il have never had any occasion +
hear Jewish folk music" she repliet