Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, TRUE JEWISH FAITH, by ISIDOR BUSH


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

TRUE JEWISH FAITH, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: What does true jewish faith imply?
Last Line: And by his grace, it thus shall be!
Subject(s): Faith; Jews; Belief; Creed; Judaism


What does true Jewish faith imply?
A dogma's or confession's tie?
Of "Israel's Sons," a race of might:
A minhag's use; a formal rite;
Oh, no! Oh, no! thus we agree,
True Jewish faith much more must be.

Does it a nation old imply,
That, robbed of fatherland, doth sigh?
Or synagogue and Sabbath rest,
With minister and choir blessed?
Oh, no! Oh, no! thus we agree,
True Jewish faith much more must be.

What does true Jewish faith imply?
A synod's laws which verify
The views with priests habitual?
Nought but a creed? A ritual?
Oh, no! Oh, no! thus we agree,
True Jewish faith much more must be.

Then what does Jewish faith imply?
A college course? A wise reply?
Do synagogal bonds alone,
Or fast and prayer make it known?
Oh, no! Oh, no! thus we agree,
True Jewish faith much more must be.

What does true Jewish faith imply?
'Tis said this faith ere long will die;
That all, with speech and usage old,
Has vanished save the features' mould.
Oh, no! Oh, no! that we deny;
True Jewish faith can never die.

But still the faith to life has clung,
Defying years of martyrdom,
Of scourges, Jew-bait and excess—
Does God uphold it purposeless?
Oh, no! Oh, no! we all agree,
True Jewish faith must something be.

True Jewish faith, in deed and name,
Now proudly views its ancient fame,
Its people's past; and strews abroad
The noble seed for future's sod.
That shall it be, oh, that alone,
The Jewish heart can call its own!

Thus do its children tread the sod—
THE PRIESTHOOD OF AN ONLY GOD,
THAT EVER STRIVE IN TRUTH TO LIVE.
AND RIGHT AND MERCY SEEK AND GIVE.
That shall it be; oh, that alone,
The Jewish heart can call its own!

Nought can with Jewish faith agree
That does not bless humanity.
Stands not like Hope by Misery's side,
And seeks not God, whate'er betide.
That shall it be, oh, that alone,
The Jewish heart can call its own!

And when long centuries have flown,
Then will true Jewish faith alone—
To which our lives we consecrate—
A brighter age illuminate!
Oh, this we feel is God's decree,
And by His grace, it thus shall be!





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