Page:Traditions of Palestine (microform) (IA traditionsofpale00martrich).pdf/52

 the wine press; if the words of the Prophet be not as fruitful seed let fall among the furrows; if his doctrine be not to the spirit of man like the early and the latter rain unto fields that are parched with drought; if in our day Israel be not exalted over all the earth, let me be cast forth as a blasphemer. I will abide in the caves of the rock, and the lair of beasts shall be my couch. The word of the Prophet is high as Lebanon; Carmel is less fruitful, and the water-brooks are not so pure.”

“What is this word, my son? Speak, and then be silent for ever concerning this deceiver.”

“The spirit of Jehovah is on this man, my father. He comes to fulfil the law and the prophets.”

“Nay, but, my son, he eats with unwashen hands, and permits others to do so. Holier was he, the master in Israel, who chose to perish of thirst rather than not wash with the little water he had.”

“But, my father, our Rabbins themselves agree not concerning this matter; and some suffer us to eat fruits with unwashen hands.