[ 13 ]
love rather than of making any pecuniary benefits.
In bringing this paper to a close I desire to point out that notwithstanding the differences of opinions and beliefs which some of our brethren have introduced in the course of the development of Judaism in America, we have setting aside all our pre-conceived notions, yet to learn much from either their failures or success. To take but one example. We have all heard of the recent princely bequest of one of our Philadelphian brethren, to wit, Moses A. Dropsie, of a sum of nearly two million Mexican dollars for the establishment of a Jewish University in Philadelphia, where a thorough training in Hebrew literature can be acquired. Who amongst us ever thought of such a noble scheme? Alas! were a history of the Jews in India, China or the Straits, for the last 50 years to be recorded what a sorry mess of the spectacle will it disclose to outsiders? We were indeed capable of utilising our powers to promoting any pious wish, if only we essayed to do it. But no; we never thought of such a sublime thought. We remained in the background; we remained indifferent and callous for the future concern of Judaism; we were given freedom and lost faith; reaped the advantages of our modern civilization but offered nothing toward the spiritual betterment of ourselves. And here we are, standing on the brink of spiritual bankruptcy, without a leader, without a true knowledge of Judaism; and like a steamer without a captain sailing unconsciously on the rock of indifference and debasement. From whence shall a light of Jewish renaissance radiate upon us? The outlook is gloomy indeed and if we will not be up and doing, soon the board of the existence of our soul will be laid low, only to be debased and sunk deeper. The religious problem of the Jew is agitating the mind of every thinking Jew and
