Page 6

[fol. vi.]

{who would believe?}

6

and then to teach our children the true idea that underlies
the assemblage of Jews in the Temple of God; not because
our parents did so and on their death-bed solemnly bade
us do likewise; nor simply for the sake of appearances
-- for this would practically mean a life of falsehood and
deception -- but because of the overmastering need of
religious truths, because of the inspiration which the word
of God may help us to obtain; because we wish, openly
and avowedly in the face of the whole world, to become
better men and women; because we wish to sweeten our
labour and exalt our everyday routine of life by nobler
thoughts, by worthier actions; because we wish to raise
ourselves into a purer atmosphere. This should be the
reason that induces us to frequent the Synagogue, whether
it on this annual day of Atonement or on the weekly
Sabbath. O ye parents what a burden of responsibility
rests upon your shoulders! What thoughts do ye convey to
those little ones who daily raise their innocent eyes to
you with innumberable questions? What religious ideas, if
any do you instil into their tender minds?