Page:A Jewish Interpretation of the Book of Genesis (Morgenstern, 1919, jewishinterpreta00morg).pdf/194

 The Book of Genesis

176

And

joy to enter.

as in the

chapter from Proverbs

is

Kiddush service the beautiful and those sacred words ring

read,

forth,,

A woman For her

of valor

price

is

who

can find?

far above rubies.

Many

daughters have done valiantly, But thou cxcellest them all,

husband and every Jewish child knows full to just his wife and his mother that these words apply so truly. Our Jewish wives and mothers and homes are the greatest blessings which Ciod has given unto His Jewish people, and, more than aught else, they have served, through all Israel's long years of trial and sorrow and persecution, to keep the light of hope and faith and devotion to the God of our fathers burning in our hearts, even as they have kept the Sabbath light of peace and joy and sanctity burning in our Jewish homes. Many true, beautiful and inspiring stories of Jewish mothers, and of their nobility, idealism, and capacity for sacrifice for husband and children might be told. However, the following romantic story of Rabbi Akiba and his faithful wife will suffice. Rabbi Akiba, during the first forty years of his life, was a poor shepherd, uneducated and ignorant. He kept the sheep of Kalba Sabua, a man renowned for wealth and philanthropy. And, as is so often the case, he fell in love with Rachel, the gentle and beautiful daughter Unknown to her of his master, and his love was returned. father, they were married. But first Rachel made Akil)a promise that he would study and become a wise man and a leader in Israel for she had already recognized his latent ability,. When her father heard of the marriage he was furious. He cast his daughter from his house, and vowed that she should never again receive aught from him. Then began ])itiful days, days of want and hunger, especially hard for the young wife, reared in plenty and luxevery Jewish well that

it

is