Page:A Jewish Interpretation of the Book of Genesis (Morgenstern, 1919, jewishinterpreta00morg).pdf/348

Rh The Book of Genesis

330

We

are the strongest force which

will

work our

will".

God has created, and we But God sternly rebuked them, "Why

boast ye of your strength?

I

shall

send the sand to bar

But the waves laughed and mocked when they saw the tiny grains of sand, and said, "What foes are you? One of us can destroy you all". But into the grains of sand God had put a bit of His divine wisdom. "Hearken to the

your way".

boast of our. enemies, the waves, they said.

should one of us be separated from the

It

rest,

is

true that

he could ac-

complish nothing, but must be blown away by the wind.

Let

us therefore hold close together and strengthen each other.

Thereby shall we do the will of our Alaker, and overcome our enemy". Ever since the tiny grains on the seashore have held together in close embrace. And though the waves beat upon them, all their beating merely binds the grains of sand closer together. Ever they bar the way of their enemy, the waves, as these roll in upon the land. And here and there the sand has even forced the proud waves back into narrower confines. In peace and unity and brotherly love and cooperation lies true strength to do the will of God. So Jacob commanded his sons, and ever since all Israel has lived, with but occasional forgettings now^ and then, yet forgettings which have always brought misfortune and misery, as brothers, strengthening each other and helping each other. Still today our brothers call unto us for help and support. And never dare we forget the words which Joseph's brothers spoke to him, as true today as then, '*We are twelve brethren, the sons of one man in the land of Canaan". All Israel are brothers, united by descent from father Jacob, and by common faith in the God of our fathers, the God of all mankind; and all Israel share in the glorious birthright of Abraham. In union and peace and love lies our strength. Laboring in this spirit of brotherhood, and with complete faith in God, we shall be strong to do His will and to fulfil \n