Page 1

[fol. i.]

Faith & Hope

"For I am the Lord: I change not; therefore ye Sons of Jacob are
not consumed." (Mal. III, b).

My dear Congregants: There is a beautiful legend related in the Talmud
which runs as follows: On the day of their creation the trees
rejoiced and each exultingly praised its own good qualities. ( The
Lord has planted me exclaimed the lofty cedar. Firmness &
fragrance, durability & strength are united in me." The mercy
of the Lord has planted me as a blessing cries the shady palm
tree." Beauty & utility are combined in me." The apple tree
shouted "I stand glorious among the trees, like the Sun admidst
the celestial hosts." And said the myrtle "Like the rose among
thorns I stand distinguished among my kindred, the underwood. )
All of them boasted; the fig tree of its fruit, the olive of its
richness, the pine of its stateliness & even the fir tree found
reason for which to rejoice. The vine alone remained drooping
and silent. To me, it mournfully said, everything seems
denied; of stem nor branches, of blossom, nor fruit can
I boast. Yet such as I am I shall wait in silent hope."
It sank down and its tendrils wept in sorrow and
solitude. Not long did it wait & weep. For behold, the