Читать книгу The Jewish Religion, Ethically Presented - Henry Pereira Mendes - Страница 3
ОглавлениеTo the General Reader.
The object of this book is character-building.
Nothing can build character more nobly than the Jewish religion.
But its ethical aspect must be presented and studied if this, its real purpose, is to be successfully effected.
I have in this little work merely attempted to indicate how every enactment and every ceremony of our beloved religion is designed to develop our better or spiritual nature, or as I have already expressed it, to build character.
To Parents.
Home example is the most potent. The reverential (I emphasize reverential) discharge of sacred duties, such as home prayers, and religious ceremonies, combined with interest in the children’s religious education, will go far to build up sterling manhood and womanhood.
The mother who understands her holy privilege will herself hear her children recite their little prayers, and by judicious praise or rebuke, mould their characters at the most impressionable moments.
And the father can best discharge his most sacred responsibilities of fatherhood by personally conducting home devotions at appropriate seasons.
To Rabbis or Ministers.
I have presented Judaism from the ethical standpoint. I am confident that all Jewish ministers will welcome any presentation whose object is character building on the lines of Reverence, Faith, Love, Justice and Holiness, with our Bible for foundation.
Where I have drawn upon rabbinical or other ancient sources and ancient prayers, will be recognized. But I have chiefly drawn naturally and purposely, upon the Bible. For that is our Book of Books, and the very reason for my copious quotations therefrom is my earnest desire to make the People of the Book better acquainted with the Book of the People.
To Teachers.
An asterisk (*) divides each chapter. Up to the asterisk is for young children. From the asterisk to the end of the chapter is for older boys and girls.
The paragraphs in each chapter are numbered. The teacher therefore can exercise his discretion in selecting lessons according to the capacity of the class.
The Bible quotations are numbered to correspond with the paragraphs, which they illustrate, and to which they refer.
These quotations should be read frequently in class and some should be memorized each week.
The main object of the quotations is to saturate the children with Bible verses in Bible language.
Chapter XLIV. is entirely Bible Quotations. The teacher will select some from time to time for study, for class-discussion or for class-talks.
Recitations of quotations at every session of the class should be encouraged. A class quotation, like a class motto, may be selected for each year.
That is to say, the words of the Bible should be woven into the very warp and woof of life. They should be creators of conduct. They should be builders of character.
That is what our religion is meant to be.
