Page:A Jewish Interpretation of the Book of Genesis (Morgenstern, 1919, jewishinterpreta00morg).pdf/339

Rh comes from God alone, even the king upon his throne must bow. The prophets of Israel have exemplified this truth time and again. Here, more than ever, Jacob is typical of Israel, the exponent of spiritual truth and power, even as Pharaoh upon his throne is typical of all that is material. In Jacob's words, and in his acknowledged superiority and authority over Pharaoh, we feel the full truth of the prophet's inspired words,

"Not by might, nor by power, but by My spirit, saith the Lord of hosts."

The purpose of existence will be attained at last, and all life will become pure and holy and beautiful, not by might nor by power, but only by the spirit of the Lord of hosts. Jacob blessed Pharaoh; and so Israel, God's messenger, filled with His spirit, has blessed all the nations of the earth. And throughout the ages it has safeguarded and lived true to its God-given birthright, to be a blessing unto all the families of the earth.

For all Jews today, and particularly for us Jews in America, this story has a particularly pertinent message. We We occupy a position strikingly similar to that of Joseph. We dwell in an environment and culture quite different from those in which our fathers dwelt. We, too, with comparatively few exceptions, occupy in this country positions of honor and esteem, and even of power and influence for good. We are loyal citizens of our nation, and gladly assume all the responsibilities and obligations of citizenship. We share in its culture; dress like our fellow-citizens, and consort freely with them; and we speak the language of the country, of which we are an integral and recognized part. Yet this does not necessitate, nor even imply, that we become unmindful of the traditions of our past, or fail to cherish the precious heritage of the spirit, which has descended to us from our fathers, or that we need become ashamed of our \n