tioned. That it may, and doubtless will, lead towards realization of dearer ideals, is more than probable. The present leaders can well be trusted with the present or first steps. New leaders for newer work will surely in due time be found. But the leaders in Judaism in America and England should take counsel together to shape this movement of Zionism for good. I appeal to American Hebrews to this end, and I suggest that they pledge contributions as asked, to be sent when the concessions or a charter from the Sultan shall be ready to be made. Men who have worked for so many years so faithfully deserve at least consideration.
They rightly observed : "Let our opponents, or let us rather say, those who are cold toward us, pause and reflect what will be the appalling
result if our appeal for funds remains unheeded. We are trying to deflect the stream of emigration from England and the United States to the only country which commands Jewish sympathy, to a land able to support thousands and hundreds of thousands. Should we not be helped in that? And if we are not helped, upon whom will the responsibility rest? If suffering and even bloodshed result from the continued stress of conditions in Russia and Roumania, when we can mitigate the suffering and prevent the bloodshed by providing a home that is assured and legally assured, upon whom, we ask, will the responsibility rest? We have done our duty. Let the Jews of England and America do theirs."
And with these earnest words I close.
H. PEREIRA MENDES.
The Zaddik and the Rabbi*
I.
THE Zaddik of Biala in his youth was one of the most promising pupils of Rabbi Chayim of Brisk. But one day, without a word, he left Brisk and was not heard of for many years. It was said that he was travelling in foreign parts. After a long absence, he returned and settled down in Biala.
Noah left Brisk because Rabbi Chayim's school was too cramped for him. What could the Rabbi teach him? Formulas, abstractions, Talmudical exegesis, casuistry, but nothing for the spirit, nothing whatever for the soul.
Therefore Noah decided to leave him. But onecould not so easily tear oneself away from thestudies of years. Once Noah dreamed a dream.A figure like that of his teacher came to him andsaid : “ Come, my well-beloved, I will guide youthrough Paradise.”’. Noah followed him. Theycame to a magnificent palace and were met at thehreshold by a wonderfully brilliant light whichblazed in their path ; but they were not dismayed. They went further. There were innumerable corridors and rooms and even the wallsfar in the distance seemed made of crystal. Thelight hurt Noah’s eyes, but he kept on. Finallyhe felt weary and fain would have rested, butthe Rabbi exclaimed sternly :—“ Here there is noresting; one must ever forward !” A cold sweat
gathered on the younger man. The loneliness of the place filled him with foreboding. He felt a strong yearning for the companionship of friends, even of mere every-day acquaintances; and the Rabbi seemed to know his secret thought, for he said:—“Here is access only for you and me. Hold fast; should you leave me and wander from the Right Path, you will never be able to find it again!” The youth was frightened; yet he replied:—“O Rabbi, I came here not in order to be alone. It is even here that I seek and I long for my brethren. I would have my brethren even here!” And as he spoke, the figure of the Rabbi disappeared and Noah was alone in the labyrinthine rooms. He sought in vain for an exit, but was met on every side by an icy cold wind. And in addition, the loneliness of the place, the feeling of abandonment;—he wept bitterly. ‘O God, Better to be in Hell with all Israel than to be alone in Paradise!’” Then he saw a Jewish driver approaching, coming whence he knew not. A red girdle was bound about his waist and in his left hand he held a long whip. Uttering no word, the driver took Noah gently by the hand and led him out into freedom. Then he awoke.
The dream made a deep impression on Noah. As he hurried to the synagogue that morning he saw a wagon standing in the market place. On it sat a Jewish driver with a red girdle bound