"GOD IS WITH US."

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 214, 10 September 1934, Page 9

"GOD IS WITH US."

THE JEWISH PEOPLE. NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS. NAZI-ISM DENOUNCED. "When Nazi-ism is lost in the limbo of oblivion we shall still be going on and working out our destiny," said Rabbi S. A. Goldstein, ill the course of ; an address at the Synagogue this morning on the occasion of the Jewish New Year. "Our history has proved one thing which must be obvious to the student who has made a study of tlie currents and ci oss currents that we have met in our journey," said the rabbi, "for it has not oeen easy sailing for our ship on the stormy ocean of time, a sailing which called for expert leadership and guidance, the truth that 'God's shadow still rests on history.' It is there today, notwithstanding the blighting curse of Uitlerism. Powers Intensified. "There is scarcely a Held of thought on wlucli we have not left our mark or evidenced our versatility, and adaption to surroundings without losing our individuality or disappearing in the multitude. Environment —and the Jew was the underdog for centuries —has intensified our powers, and the study of the Bible, the Talmud and Hebrew literature has not only enlarged our outlook but has saved us from stagnation. Judaism was the salt that preserved the Jew from taint and pollution. Moral and religious forces, too, springing from the home and giving them parental teaching were active in shaping the and giving them wholesome saleguards and balance wheels, The continuous tragedy maimed the Jew at times beyond recognition, but the miracle of resurrection was always there, and the Jew rose Phoenix-like from the ashes which burned into his soul but did not consume. And we take our history to-day and try to strike a balance bv studying the conditions political, religious ami social under which •our people are living in various conntries. And as a student of current history I am justified in saying the balance is greatly in our favour. An Eternal People. "I need scarcely enlarge on Naziism," continued the Rabbi. "It is still as relentless, cruel and vindictive as it could possibly be, unyielding in its programme of virulence, hatred, cruelty and vindictiveness. But as members of an eternal people we shall be going on and on, working out our destiny as the ' bearers of truth and apostles of righteousness, purity and holiness. And these days are to bring before us the Sanctity of the obligations imposed upon us. And what more fitting time for solemn reflection and resolution than the new year, the beginning of the penitential season. This day speaks to us of the light of the Lord and Judaism and righteousness of vital, imperishable things, necessary for our spiritual wellbeing. "The task before us is the cultivation of the Jewish life, the life in which the presence of God is felt, and the maintenance of the beauty and sanctity of the Jewish home. What can be more beautiful and inspiring than the real Jewish home?" said the Rabbi, in conclusion. "Let us give the religious education of the young, on whom our future depends, our serious care and attention, and show our love and appreciation of the services by an iinprov*. attendance. Let us not ignore the sanctity of Judaism. God is with us, as he was with our fathers. He seeks our reunion with Him, our lapses notwithstanding. God alone _ leads us. It is the great secret of life. - '