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Joseph Friedlander, comp. The Standard Book of Jewish Verse. 1917.

By Alice Rhine

Lines

  • Written on hearing a learned Lawyer say in Court, that “the Jews were hated alike by God and man.”

  • SAY not that we are cut off by Thee, Guardian of Israel’s race;

    Despite of all our waywardness, in Thy love we hold a place;

    And in our dark and bitter hours, we still can turn to Thee

    For guidance or for comfort, when earthly pleasures flee.

    Not utterly abhorred by Thee!—man cannot trace Thy ways

    Nor reach into Thy hidden path, O Thou of ancient days.

    And must we still be taunted and told we are forgot.

    Condemned alike by Thee and man, our destiny a blot.

    Believe it not, believe it not! we are God’s chosen still

    To whom He hath in mercy given the records of His will!

    To whom He hath in kindness said, “Fear not, for thou art Mine,

    I have called thee by My holy name, and glory shall be thine.”