SIMON EICHELKATZ
——
THE PATRIARCH
| Glossary |
SIMON EICHELKATZ
September 9, 1900.
To-day I was called to attend an old man who lives at the Flour Market,almost opposite the "New" Synagogue. The messenger told me I could notpossibly miss the house, because the steps leading up to the old man'srooms were built on the outside; and this is in peculiar contrast to themodern architecture prevailing in the city. In fact, I do not knowwhether another house so curiously constructed is to be seen anywhereelse in the place. And so I found it without much questioning. At anyrate, I knew of the New Synagogue. I have never entered it, yet a soft,secret wave of religious feeling creeps over me each time I pass it, andthat happens frequently. The synagogue lies on the road to the extensivefactory quarter built up by one of the large manufacturers for hisemployees. My professional duties often take me there.
The synagogue!—I always look at the simple structure, devoid ofornament, with mixed feelings of veneration and awe. I hold tradition inhigh regard. After all it counts for something that a man is theoffspring of a pious race, which cherishes learning and Yichus. Howdoes the Hebrew word happen to come to me? The synagogue keeps its gripon what belongs to it—and on me, too! Yet I should not be able to praywithin its walls—although it was in such a place as this synagogue thatmy father taught the word of God.
In fact, is it possible for us moderns still to pray? And then thoseremarkable Hebrew words, unintelligible to most of us now—OvinuMalkenu! The Church has converted them into the Lord's Prayer, the mostfervent of its prayers. Ovinu Malkenu! I see myself a little chapstanding next to my father. How surcharged these words with belief andfaith and hope when spoken by him: Ovinu Malkenu chosvenu be-SeferParnossoh ve-Chalkoloh—"Give us this day our daily bread!"
Synagogue and church! Hebrew or German or Latin? The shrill call of theShofar, or the soft sense-enslaving tones of the organ? I believe modernman can pray only in the dumb speech of the heart.
It seems to me, if I were all alone in a synagogue, a devout mood wouldcome over me; I would pray there. In Florence this happened to me once.It was very early in the morning; I w