Be the Light You Wish to See in the World

Ladies: The season has again arrived when we are amenable to renew our efforts for the relief of those who need aid from their fellow sojourners in this world of many wants and many sufferings—and while we feebly put forth a diminished strength to relieve the cravings of nature we would suggest the wish that our abilities might be directed to a more pressing need—the mental impoverishment of those who are rising to take their place among the thousands of Israel scattered throughout the facilities of the earth. In a little while the remnant of those who first plead for the female poor of this congregation will have passed away and perhaps the sweetened memorial raised to their names will be recorded that they laid the course stone to this just tuition. Is it not too much to hope—too much to expect from the daughters of a noble race that they will be foremost in the work of charity—provided their young hearts are impressed with its sacred duties. Let us then plead for the means of "training them in the way they should go." We have a teacher desirous of opening his store of useful knowledge for the improvement of the rising generation.... The want of education shuts the door of advancement into private or public nations—which an Israelite might obtain in this country.... May it be that enlightened Jews mingle with the inhabitants of the land respecting their own laws and practicing the virtues required of the chosen people of God. As such we must prepare the way for that unto the gathering of the people .... we need look for no greater miracle than the changed heart that an enlightened faith—piety, self-respect and charity will engender to make our wilderness bloom—and a light shine on the on the mountains of Zion—but this is in advance of our present purpose—the grain must be sown before the harvest can be reaped