Opening of the book
JEWISH LITERATURE
AND
OTHER ESSAYS
BY
GUSTAV KARPELES
philadelphia
the jewish publication society of america
1895
Press of
The Friedenwald Co.
Baltimore
PREFACE
The following essays were delivered during the
last ten years, in the form of addresses, before
the largest associations in the great cities of
Germany. Each one is a dear and precious
possession to me. As I once more pass them in
review, reminiscences fill my mind of solemn
occasions and impressive scenes, of excellent
men and charming women. I feel as though I were
sending the best beloved children of my fancy
out into the world, and sadness seizes me when I
realize that they no longer belong to me alone—
that they have become the property of strangers.
The living word falling upon the ear of the
listener is one thing; quite another the word
staring from the cold, printed page. Will my
thoughts be accorded the same friendly welcome
that greeted them when first they were uttered?
I venture to hope that they may be kindly
received; for these addresses were born of
devoted love to Judaism. The consciousness that
Israel is charged with a great historical
mission, not yet accomplished, ushered them into
existence. Truth and sincerity stood sponsor to
every word. Is it presumptuous, then, to hope
that they may find favor in the New World?
Brethren of my faith live there as here; our
ancient watchword, "Sh'ma Yisrael," resounds in
their synagogues as in ours; the old bloodstained flag, with its sublime inscription, "The
Lord is my banner!" floats over them; and Jewish
hearts in America are loyal like ours, and
sustained by steadfast faith in the Messianic
time when our hopes and ideals, our aims and
dreams, will be realized. There is but one
Judaism the world over, by the Jordan and the
Tagus as by the Vistula and the Mississippi. God
bless and protect it, and lead it to the goal of
its glorious future!
To all Jewish hearts beyond the ocean, in free
America, fraternal greetings!
Keep listening free
Readnara
