Page:A Jewish Interpretation of the Book of Genesis (Morgenstern, 1919, jewishinterpreta00morg).pdf/340

Rh The Book of Genesis

322

Rather the example of Joseph should teach Israelite origin. and inspire us to realize that only by living as Jews, in the midst of whatever environment we may come to live, by safeguarding our ancient virtues, and applying the knowledge of God and of the meaning and purpose of life which Judaism upholds, to the needs and problems of our nation and our fellowmen, can we realize our own destiny and mission, and bring blessing and life unto them in the midst of spiritual fast to the famine. It is our eternal obligation to hold knowledge of God which has been revealed to us, and to proclaim this knowledge and God's law of life unto all the world, that men may live thereby, and learn to walk in God's way, and realize the great truth which Israel has ever proclaimed, *'Not by might,- nor by power, but by ^ly spirit, Thus, and thus alone, can we saith the Lord of hosts". bless the peoples

among whom we come

Jacob blessed Pharaoh. And when our brethren come

to

dwell,

even as

from lands of misery and oppression, even as Joseph's brethren came to him, seeking protection and sustenance, and the freedom and opportunity which we already enjoy, even though they be children of different environments and the products of adverse conditions, and in the eyes of some seem strange and unprepossessing, and even uncouth, and entirely different and set apart from tlie great world a1)out us. none the less we dare not be ashamed of them, nor disown them, nor disclaim responsibility

for them.

to us

They are

still

our brethren

and our flesh. J^ven if we would hide ourselves from them and deny them, we could not, for the world knows that we They are are brothers. But we seek not to deny them. our brothers, with the same ancestry, the same history and they come from the same the same traditions l)ehind them original home; and deep in their breasts they cherish the same virtues and ideals of liberty, service and blessing, as we. -Vnd we proudly welcome them and eml)race them, and
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