stands. It is true that a crisis similar to the one that overtook Jewry in the days of the Greeks is manifest in present-day Jewry. We have our renegades, those who have deserted us for gain or position or the comforts of an easy life. We have our internal foes, who, like the Ja- sons and Menelauses of old, would turn us out of our beaten track to tread ways that are crooked and roads that lead to perdition. The disintegrating forces are tremendous. But over against them we have a counter-movement which under
one form or another makes for solidarity, for integration, for building up Jewish consciousness. We have also great and true leaders, who, with God's help, will win the people to the better and truer course, the only course that will insure Jewish victory. And the Jewish victory that is in store for us will be won through a strengthened national consciousness and a stubborn determination to maintain Jewish distinctiveness, quite as much as in the days of the great Maccabaean victory of yore.
THE POET'S SPIRIT
of
NAPHTALI HERZ IMBER.
No dirge or solemn bell We toll for thee, oh Voice, Stilled by the sudden knell That ends all mortal choice; Thy tuneful spirit free of earth Must ever more rejoice. Like Gull or Petrel free That soars o'er billows, brave Thy soul shall spring in glee Above the narrow grave; Thy hymns shall live while Zion lives, While Israel's banners wave. As perched on mountain crags The eagle finds a nest, Free from earth's binding rags Wandering Soul take rest, Till the full message of thy song Thy brothers here attest. Singers like thee on earth Tuning the immortal lyre, Old Nations give rebirth, Hopes shattered, new desire; Beacons that prove for doubting sons Jehovah's living fire.