VOORSANGER COLLECTION

OF TH E
SEMITIC LIBRARY
OF THE

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
GIFT OF

REV. JACOB VOORSANGER, D.D.

1906
LOWERS OF ZION

BY

AARON FRIEDENWALD, M. D.
OF BALTIMORE, MD.

ADDRESS DELIVERED BEFORE THE M2KVE ISRAEL

ASSOCIATION OF PHILADELPHIA
DECEMBER 23, 1894

PUBLISHED BY
THE ZION ASSOCIATION
OF BALTIMORE
 Since affairs in Russia assumed a state which compelled
thousands upon thousands of its Jewish inhabitants to seek
homes in other parts of the world, the love for Zion, that
has accompanied Israel throughout the dispersion, has ac-
quired a fresh intensity; this has inaugurated a movement,
full of richest promise. This movement has the lofty aspira-
tion of making the Hebrew language again .the language of
the Hebrews, and of establishing a home for Israelites in
that land which was the home of their ancestors. It shall
be the purpose of the lecture which I have the honor to
deliver, by your kind invitation, to present the motives which
have led to the organization of the Chovevi Zion, to outline
>its progress, and to consider the possibilities which it in-

dicates.
The world has greatly marveled at the unexpected pre-
servation of the Jews. When Rome finally triumphed over
the Holy City and Israel was carried into captivity, every-

thing pointed to the total annihilation of the Jews as a

people. Little did the historian of that day dream, that the
historian of nearly twenty centuries later would speak of
them as the only living relic of antiquity; as a people, which,
under the most adverse conditions, had made the long jour-
ney from ancient to modern times; as a people, fully pre-
serving its identity, and still adhering to that religion for
which it had unceasingly to suffer, from the time of the
destruction of its nationality to the present day. But it is
not the simple survival of the Jews of which history has to
take account. It must accord them recognition not only
for having preserved themselves, in spite of having been
subjected to persecutions such as have been the lot of no
other people, but also for much that they have preserved
for the world. They were the media, through which largely
the intellectual achievements of the East reached the West

320222
during the middle ages; and to them, furthermore, must
be accorded no mean share in the progress the world has
made since that time. During that long period in which the
whole of Europe was steeped in ignorance and the con-
tinuous clash of arms was the expression of a vile brutality,
the Jews, proscribed at every step by those in power, sub-
jected to the contumely of vulgar mobs, insecure in the
possession of what was tangible, with no place that they
could call a home, cultivated a spiritual life and an intellect-
ual in moments of peace within their four walls their
life; "and

crouching forms would assume the dignity of self-respect

and they would look down upon the degradation of their
persecutors with contempt, were they slaves, or were they
kings. Conscious of a sacred mission which they were des-
tined to fulfill, feeling their responsibility as custodians of
the Law and animated by the hope of the restoration of their
national life, they became the heroes of an unequaled mar-

tyrdom consecrated to the glory of God. Through many

centuries they were the witnesses of the instability of material

grandeur among the many nations. While they were kept

alive by the inspiration of a holy faith, they saw one power
succumb to another, each in turn becoming their persecu-
tors.Over and over again they were robbed of all their
earthly possessions, but they took good care not to be
cheated of their faith. Though pressed as they were on all
sides, peace and honor were regarded as worthless currency
when offered them in exchange for that gem inherited from
their forefathers; treated as aliens everywhere,
although
they held this up as the insignia of becoming a blessing to
all mankind.
When at last the light of modern times began to illumine
the world, and under benign influence man was gradu-
its

ally led from serfdom into citizenship, and despotism had

to yield to representative government, the Jew could not

altogether be excluded from the benefits which were brought

about by the salutary changes. In those countries which
led in the advance, the Jew was granted equal rights. It
seemed if an era had been established in the world's his-
as

tory, inwhich there could be no step backward in the con-

ception of the principle of equal rights for all men. The
general proposition, that any law which denied the rights
of any special class of men, carried with it the condition
that the rights of all men would be rendered insecure, was
too clear to be disregarded. No class of men, therefore,
in the great struggle for liberty, could demand rights for
themselves which they would deny to others; and so the
Jew came in for his share, although, the inference is justified

that it was not always ungrudgingly awarded.

It seemed further that the intimate intercourse among the
nations which marked the age, would bring them rapidly
nearer to each other in their sympathies, and that the memor-
able political regeneration which had so greatly changed
the complexion of Western Europe could not long be barred
out of its Eastern empires.
Under these favorable auspices, the Jew entered upon a
new activity. The long discipline through which he had
passed, came very much to his aid in the various fields in
which he was now permitted to move, and it was not long
before he attracted attention for the distinction which he
attained. It was not remarkable that he succeeded so well
in the various branches of commerce, for even with the

disadvantages under which he had previously labored, his

aptitude in this direction had fully manifested itself. He
now assumed a conspicuous part in the work to be done
in other fields. He had suffered under the unjust accusa-
tion that he had no ambition except for gain, but he soon

appeared as an earnest competitor in every avenue which

led to honorable fame. In the arts and in the sciences,
in literature and in politics, he contributed names which
will remain illustrious for all time.

Having always been loyal to the state, even when he had

to suffer from unkind discriminations, his pride in full citi-

zenship knew no bounds; and he was not loath to rid him-

self of characteristics, some of which were not to his dis-
credit, in order to thoroughly provide against the continu-
ance of social distinctions between him and other citizens.
He plunged into the current of the times and his course
indicated that he sought his welfare in directions in which
he drifted farther and farther from his Jewish interests. He
lived his new life though he had just been born, and as
as

though had died. He felt sure that

at his birth his history
he was now standing upon firm ground, and that no occa-
sion could arise that would render his rights insecure.
History, however, has often repeated itself in the testi-

mony which it has recorded in regard to unexpected in-

terruptions in the onward march of civilization; and so in
our day, the long-cherished hope that the benign influence
which had developed in Western Europe would travel east-
ward and reach the Jews where they were most in need of
it, was doomed to meet a sad disappointment. It was a
most bitter irony of fate, when the storm came from whence
the refreshing zephyr was expected. In that country fore-
most among the advanced in high culture and in the develop-
ment of general intelligence, an intolerance asserted itself
which on account of its anomalous character had to assume
"
a new name, " antisemitism this, the lamented Frederick
;

"
III. (then Crown Prince) denounced as Ein Schmach des
Jahrhunderts." More thian this, its
1

contagion spread to
thatmighty empire, its close neighbor, whose institutions
were formed in the mould of the dark ages, and there it
incited a cruel persecution, which, in the intensity of its

barbarism, could only be equaled by events which disgraced

mediaeval times. Antisemitism spread from Germany to
Austria, and even secured for itself some foothold in repub-
lican France. To
provide a basis upon which it could
stand, the Jew was confronted by a remarkable arraign-
ment. "He pushed himself forward and secured positions
which others should occupy." " He sent too many of his
"
youth to higher institutions of learning." He filled too
"
many chairs in the universities." He became too potent
a factor in the press." These were some of the charges
preferred against him. The intelligence, energy and ambi-
tion which enabled him to elevate himself, and which would
have been commended in any one else, subjected him to
a relentless hatred. He was denounced as a parasite upon
the nation, although he was an inhabitant of Germany be-
fore Christianity was brought there, and here, as has been
his lot almost everywhere else, had been systematically
robbed during many centuries whenever it was worth while
doing so. He was charged with being governed by a low
standard of honor in his dealings with all men, and this by
the party which sent Ahlwardt to the Reichstag, even after
he had been disgraced in a court of law. Every possible
distortion of statistics was made available to place him -in
a false light before the world, to justify the cruel ostracism
to which -he at once was subjected, and to .offer a plea upon
which eventually, the abrogation of his rights under the law
could be consummated. Humiliating as this condition of
affairs was to the Jew in Germany, against whom it was

specially directed, it made no less a profound impression

upon his unfortunate brother in Russia. In Russia the Jew
was in the way on account of his religion, and inasmuch
as he could not be made to desert his faith, he must be

gotten rid of. In Germany ,no one objected to his religion,

so it was said, but his race, as a component part of the nation,
would vitiate the ethical well-being of the " Germanen-
thum"; and he had to be degraded, so that he might be
made harmless. The persecution in Russia, terrible as it
was, could be more readily understood than antisemitism
born in Germany. The former was the outcome of the
crime of one man, in a country whose people could not
claim rights; the latter is the sin of a nation, whose institu-
tions are based on the theory that all men have rights, to
assail which is a crime. Everywhere the relation of the Jew
to the rest of the world has been and is being busily dis-
"
cussed, and there has arisen what has been termed the Jew-
ish Question." Those who have been forced to contemplate
expatriation with all the hardships necessarily attending it,
felt that they would be unwelcome guests wherever they
would come. It has become more and more evident, that
the Jew more or less hated everywhere. The prejudice
is

against him has gone through so many generations, has

been made legitimate by the example of so many high in
the church and in the state, that it has finally impressed
itself as a perverted social instinct, to eradicate which will

require a very extended period of time and a higher moral

development than the world has yet attained. One who has
come into possession of wealth by inheritance would be
rather loath to renounce it on the ground that it had origin-

ally been dishonestly acquired, especially on the allegation

of one who was known not to have enjoyed the friendship
of the testator; and so will one generation inheriting a social

prejudice from previous generations be disinclined to give

it up in behalf of one who has been considered an outsider

in untold number of generations.

The efforts of the Jews themselves and of their friendly
advocates to place their cause in a true light before the world
have not met with much success. The hideous caricature
in which the Jew has so long been maliciously represented,
has finally made such a lasting impression upon the mental
vision of his enemies, that no matter in what form he ap-
pears, he assumes the repugnant picture in which he has
become familiar. So far, there is no indication that can
encourage us to hope that any speedy change will take
place in this morbid condition. The restoration of healthy
function in a perverted sense, that has passed through gen-
erations as a hereditary infirmity, is an extremely slow pro-
cess. In concrete cases the Jew will succeed by life-long
reputation for integrity, by special talents, or rare genius,
to win due recognition, but the friendship which it may
bring him will not benefit any other Jew; on the contrary,
when one Jew brings himself into discredit, the Jews as a
embraced in the condemnation which follows. The
class are

antagonism which is directed against the Jew everywhere

proceeds from the same cause, its expression varies only
according to the state of civilization in the respective coun-
tries in which it exists. It is very unfortunate, therefore, that

the geographical distribution of the Jews is such, that but a

comparatively small number live in the more highly devel-
oped Western Europe, while probably more than
states of
one-half of their number are to be found aggregated in
all

rather a small area of Eastern Europe, where the harshest

conditions prevail.
It would be a sad mistake to continue to suffer and to

wait for that period the brotherhood of man shall have

when
been fully established, and those enmities based upon differ-
ences in descent and belief shall have ceased. But what
shall we do? The Chovevi Zion has given an answer to
this question. It is based upon the conviction that the

preservation of the dignity of the Jewish people all over

the world depends upon the revival of the national idea.
This will bind them closer to their Jewish interests; and
this is gradually to secure for a portion of those imbued
with the national sentiment, now suffering from the de-
pressing influence prevailing within the overcrowded pale
of settlement, a life such as their ancestors led, amid the
scenes of their ancient history. Here the Jew is to find

peace in a simpler and more natural life. Here, in freer

movements, in fresher air, he

regain his physical
is to

strength. Here, under the inspiration of a glorious past,

Jewish thought is to find its richest spontaneity. Here,
to the landwhere once milk and honey flowed, the Jew
shall come from his latest expatriation to redeem it from
the waste, worn as the badge of mourning for the children
carried off by the ancient exile.
This sentiment led to the organization of Chovein Zion
Association in Russia in 1882, shortly after the outbreak
of the persecution which has become so memorable; but
from the nature of things in that empire, it continued to exist
in secret, until 1890, when it received the sanction of the
government. While it still receives its largest support in
Russia, similar associations have been established in Aus-
tria,Germany, England, France, and I am glad to add, in
this country. Twenty-four colonies have thus far been
established, embracing a population of over 4000 souls. The
progress of these colonies has made it clear that the
project of repopulating Palestine by Jews in this way is

perfectly feasible. It is true that these colonies are still far

from having reached full prosperity, but the increasing re-
ward which has attended the persistent labor of the earnest
colonists, warrants the assumption that it will not be long
before they will be able to rely entirely upon themselves.
The " Chovevi Zion " will then be enabled to devote its
means to the gradual organization of new colonies. It
must be mentioned here that a part of the money contributed
to the older colonies has already been returned to the asso-
ciation. Very important data relating to the colonies, col-
lected by Mr. Adam Rosenberg of New York, during a
"
visit inOctober, 1891, were published in the Palestina,"
a quarterly journal in the interest of the Chovevi Zion in
England. There have been considerable changes since this
report was made, but it is sufficiently recent to furnish very
"
important information. This, with an article from Jordan,"
an annual publication by the Zion Association in Vienna,
in 1893, by Dr. Nathan Birnbaum, form the basis of some
details which I shall now give.

COLONIES IN JUDEA.
Mikveh Israel, the oldest of the colonies, founded by Net-
ter in 1869, is situated one mile south of Jaffa. It com-
prises over 3000 acres. It is not to be classed with other

colonies, being the agricultural school of the Alliance

Israelite Universelle. It is prominent in being the pioneer to
suggest the return of Jews in Palestine to agricultural pur-
suits. Those who have been educated in this school, have
rendered valuable services in organizing the later colonies.
One hundred and twenty pupils are now receiving instruc-
tion in this institution, whose curriculum extends over six

years, three of which are devoted to theory, and three to its

practical application. Among its products are almonds,
peaches, apricots, oranges, citrons, granates and apples, but
the principal yield is derived from its extensive wine culture.
In 1891, its income reached 20,000 francs.
Rishon r Zion, situated five miles south of Jaffa, is the
first colony to grow out of the modern Zion movement. It
embraces 2000 acres, bought at
i i6s. per acre; 240 acres

are planted in fruit trees, ofwhich there are about 15,000

almond trees, 700 granates, 16,000 mulberries and a large
number of trees bearing nuts. 600 'acres are planted with
1,150,000 vines. Other parts of the land are assigned to
cereals. This colony was founded in 1882 under great dif-
ficulties, which have now, through the patient persistence
of the colonists and the timely aid of Baron Edmund de
Rothschild, been fully overcome. Silk culture has been
added to the enterprises of this colony. The length of the
village from east to west is 540 metres, its breadth, north
and south, 150 metres. There are about 50 houses built of
stone, and a population of 400. The four streets are lined
on both sides with mulberry trees. Satisfactory irrigation
is maintained by steam power and a network of Upon
pipes.
the highest elevation in the colony its beautiful synagogue
is located. The colony has the advantage of a well-orga-
nized school. The more advanced boys and girls are already
availing themselves of Hebrew as the language of conversa-
tion. The prospects of this community are most gratifying.
Waad el Chanin was founded by Reuben Lehrer, of Rus-
sia, in 1883. It is about four miles in a southeasterly direc-
tion from comprises 400 acres, which were bought
Jaffa. It
at i 45. per acre. Here, again, the munificence of Baron
de Rothschild came to the rescue by a loan of 12,000 francs.
There are 30,000 grape vines and 10,000 fruit trees. The
colonists number 30. They are still in want of sufficient
funds, but their lot has greatly improved and they are full
of encouragement. The wine which they manufactured was
 10

sold to the baron. Honey has been a profitable product;

300 hives have yielded about 20 francs each, per annum.
Ekron, founded in 1882, is about 20 miles south of Jaffa.
After a severe struggle in the beginning, it came under the
protection of the baron and has made such satisfactory
progress, that as early as 1886, its settlers were able to dis-
pense with further aid. It embraces noo acres purchased
at from i 123. to i i6s. per acre. The population, con-
sisting of 6 families and laborers, numbers 150 souls. There
1

are planted 12,000 apricot, 300 olive, 700 orange and 800
fig trees. Grain and vegetables are among the products of
this colony. looo acres are under cultivation. The colony
has been provided with a synagogue for the past 8 years,
with a school, an 'apothecary and a good road to Jaffa.
Gadrah owes its organization, in 1882, to Russian Jewish
students, in whom there awoke a new love for Zion and the
national sentiment, and who in their enthusiasm turned their
steps toward 'Palestine. These settlers had to undergo great
privations, which they bore with commendable heroism.
They finally were accorded aid by the Chovevi Zion Associ-
ation in Odessa. It is situated eight miles west of Ekron
and has 900 acres of land, to which 400 acres are shortly to
be added. Gadrah numbers 91 souls, and has well-built
houses. One-half of the land is devoted to the raising of
grain and the rest to fruit trees and vines. They have
ploughing machines drawn >by six horses. The soil is well
adapted to vine culture. In the summer of 1888, quite an
exciting battle occurred between the colonists and thievish
1
fellahin, of whom one was captured; since then they have
not been molested.
Kustinyeh was colonized in 1888, by 25 families from
Bessarabia, and acquired by them at a cost of 25,000 rubles,
and now mostly farm-let to fellahin; only three of the orig-
inal families remained. The baron bought up the whole
land and maintains a few orchards and vineyards. Several

1
Native peasants.
 II

of the original settlers are now among the colonists of

Rishon 1'Zion.

Rechovoth, about two miles distant from Ramleh, is

on the road between Jaffa and Jerusalem and was founded
upon a new plan. Since 1889, societies have been formed
all over Russia, and even in Palestine, in France and in

America; the members, by monthly payments of larger or

smaller amounts, in the course of a number of years, secure
a home in Palestine upon land which is adequate to support
a family. Such an association in Warsaw, called " Menucha
w'nachla" (Peace and Possession), purchased, in 1890, a
neglected fellah village, which now has been converted into
a prosperous colony. This colony of 3000 acres presents a
beautiful landscape. Its population is 200. It has 170,000
vines. Alarge number of laborers find employment here
at fair wages; they sleep in a large woodshed, or in the
open field, or find lodging in Waad el Chanin, or in Ramleh,
a distance of three-quarters of an hour's walk. The euca-
lyptus has been planted here in large numbers for its sanitary
influence.
Pethach Tikveh (Gate of Hope) is 8 miles north of
Jaffa and includes 3600 acres. This colony was really
founded as early as 1878 by Jews from Jerusalem, by whom
the enterprise was abandoned in 1882. Its recolonization

by Russian Jews took place in 1885, having at this time

enlarged its by the acquisition of the contiguous
territory
colony, Jehudiyeh. This colony has good land for the rais-
ing of grain, which has been its important interest, but
200,000 vines have also been planted. Containing consid-
erable marshy land, a larger number of eucalyptus have been
raised. The colony consists of 95 families and a number of
^
Jewish laborers. 700 acres of the land is the property of
the baron, through whose generosity the colony has been
enriched by a beautiful park. 300 acres are owned by a
Mr. Lachman of Berlin, and managed by his agent, Mr.
Frankel, in the interest of the school of the colony.
Chedera, about 50 miles south of Haifu, was established
 12

in1890 by a Russian-Jewish society. It contains 8000 acres

and 150,000 vines. At first there arose difficulties, the
authorities not granting the privilege to build houses; these,
however, have been removed. A
great deal of work was
required on account of draining the soil, which the preva-
lence of malaria demanded. The number of the colonists
thus far is small.

GALILEE AND SYRIA.

Those enumerated above embrace the colonies of Judea,
and we now come to consider what has been done in Galilee
and Syria.
Sichron Jacob) with its daughter colonies, Samarin,
Shevaye, Em Jemal and Tantura, forms the largest Jewish
agricultural settlement in Palestine. It contains altogether
8200 acres, 3200 acres having cost 45. per acre, and 5000
i

acres i 8s. This colony has now a population of

per acre.
about 2000. It is located about 30 miles northwest of
Pethach Tikveh. This settlement was inaugurated by 70
Roumanian Jews in 1882, as Samarin, who encountered the
greatest hardships and privations, but who were rescued by
v the generosity of Baron Edmund de Rothschild. The chief
interest of this colony is vine culture, although a considerable
amount of grain is raised. The colony possesses a fine park,
a good water supply, wine cellar and petroleum storehouse.
It has synagogue, hospital, school and kindergarten. The
smaller colonies are from 2 to 5 miles from the main colony.
Tantura is the harbor of the colony and is close to the sea-
shore; through the efforts of the baron, a glass factory has
been established here. Much attention has been paid to
the raising of roses, acacia, anise, etc., which are already
utilized for the manufacture of perfumery to a considerable

extent, and it is intended that this industry shall hereafter

be largely increased.
Rosh Pinah, founded by Russian Jews in 1882, is situated
three miles south of Safed. It embraces noo acres with
 13

200,000 vines and has been very successful in the culture

of citron (ethrogim). It has a population of 240, 50 houses,
a synagogue with boys' choir and a school. This colony,
which was also aided by the generous baron, has been
enabled to dispense with outside assistance since 1889.
Yesod Hamalah is situated on the eastern side of Lake
Meron, 8 miles east of Rosh Pinah. This colony was
founded by Russian Jews from Meseritz in 1883. It has a
large vine culture, large plantation school, extensive culture
of acacia, roses, anise, etc., for the manufacture of perfumes.
It has excellent irrigation. The water supply is effected by
elevated works, run by horse power, close to the lake, and
distributed to all parts of the colony by means of hewn stone
aqueducts. Among its products, wheat, oats, maize and
beans must be mentioned.
H
Mishmar ajarden. This colony is about five minutes
walk from the Jordan Stone Bridge, one mile south of
Yesod Hamahah. It was founded by Lebowsky, a former
resident of New York, in 1884, and for four years let to
fellahin, but now cultivated by Yehudim of Safed and
former colonists of Rosh Pinah and Yesod Hamalah. It
"
received support from the " Esra society of Berlin, but is
now reported to be self-sustaining. The land of this colony
consists of 600 acres, bought at i to i\ 45. per acre.
Ain Sejthim and Mechnayim. Founded in 1890, 2800
acres, I mile northwest of Safed, reported to have made sat-
isfactory progress.
Miron and P'Kyn, 6 to 8 miles southeast of Safed, have
540 acres, with 24,000 olive trees. Miron is renowned for
being the burial place of Shimon ben Jochai, Hillel, Shamai,
and other tenaim. FKyn is an old settlement of Sephardic
Jews, who live the life of the fellahin.
There are a number of other colonies, which on account
of being very small or of too recent date, need not be men-
tioned here.
The good effects flowing from the colonies have been
varied and manifold, and not restricted altogether to the
colonists; for example, the skilled physicians who are at-
tached to them have rendered aid to other inhabitants who
had previously been in sad need in this respect. In Rosh
Pinah a factory is now being established for spinning silk,
in which 60 persons will be employed. We see from this
that besides redeeming the land from barrenness, the col-
onists are inaugurating an activity in the Holy Land by

introducing new industries. Some of the colonies are not

yet fully equipped, and have to express the juice from the
grapes in a primitive way. On this account many of the
grapes cannot be utilized for the manufacture of wine. To
avoid the sale of the fruit at too low a price, the manufacture
of cognac has been resorted to quite extensively. Stores
have been opened in CoYistanti-
for the sale of this article

nople, Beyrout, Saffa, and Jerusalem. During the last three

years the Chovevi Zion of Russia contributed the sum
of 120,000 rubles towards the support of these colonies, and
from indications, the average amount, in the present year,
will be greatly increased. The executive committee has
established dairy farms in Pethach Tikveh and Chedera,
and both in these colonies and in others, stock-raising has
been begun on a small scale. The Chovevi Zion, recogniz-
ing the importance of proper educational facilities to the
colonization schemes, besides looking to the provision for
schools in the respective colonies, have established a model
school in Jaffa, embracing a preparatory and an advanced
grade, which is to form the basis of an institution modeled
after the pattern of the German Gymnasium. In the school,
as it is now 6 teachers
constituted, there are 146 pupils, with
in the male department and 115 pupils and 5 teachers in the
female department in the advanced grade; and 6 teachers
in the preparatory grade. The languages taught embrace
Hebrew, Arabic and French. The instruction in the He-
brew is conducted with the view of making it the language
of conversation. Wisotsky of Moscow has donated 10,000
francs for the development of a department for the educa-
tion of teachers, and Weinstein of Odessa has contributed
14,000 francs for providing good buildings for schools.
 15

The scheme for the rehabilitation of a large number of

Jews in Palestine does not design to favor a general stampede

from the West to the Holy Land. Those who desire to
enter into combinations for the organization of new colonies
will have to furnish evidence of their fitness for the under-

taking, and are made thoroughly familiar with the difficul-

tieswhich await them. Under the arrangements governing
the formation of colonies, they cannot be made up of such
adventurers Who leave their homes where they have nothing
to lose, in the expectation of alighting somewhere where

something favorable may turn up.

Not only are they made familiar with the conditions by
which they be surrounded, but they must manifest their
will

willingness to submit to the discipline of such conditions,

by contributing some means to entitle them to enter in
these combinations. In contemplating this new and im-
portant movement, it must constantly be borne in mind that
it is led and encouraged by the national sentiment, and that
in maintaining its activity in full harmony with this senti-
ment its growth may be slow, but it certainly will be con-
tinuous. Even if affairs in Russia shall take a turn in favor
of our brethren in that Empire, under the new Czar, of which
there seems to be some indication, the movement will go on.
The progress which the colonies will no doubt continue to
make, will be a potent factor in spreading this sentiment
among Jews in every part of the world. There is already
one private combination in this country forming for this
purpose, having negotiated for a large tract of land in Pales-
tine; this temporarily had to be abandoned on account of
difficulties presented in the way of securing the title in the
name of those representing the combination directly.
A large tract of land has likewise been acquired by the
Chovevi Zion of England, and proposed that the col-
it is

onists that shall settle upon this land will come from that

country. The Chovevi Zion of New York, likewise, has

secured considerable land which is reserved for future settlers.
The idea has taken deep root, that the Jews shall acquire
 i6

a home that shall be their own, and which shall be where

their ancestors lived and received that inspiration which
will remain imperishable.
Under the influence of this sentiment, a new and quite
extensive Hebrew literature has been produced. Through-
out the development of the Chovevi Zion, the acquisition
of a home in Palestine and a revival of the Hebrew language
have been inseparably interwoven.
It is due to the faithful laborers whose enthusiasm has
enabled them to contribute to Hebrew literature a new and
valuable treasure, that their work should be made more
generally known, and I regard it as a part of the task that
I have undertaken to give a summary of what has been

accomplished in this direction.

I. LITERATURE REFERRING TO THE " LOVE OF ZION" AND JEWISH

COLONIZATION IN PALESTINE. (ORIGINAL.)
Eretz Chemdo (The Coveted Land). Sokolov.
Eretz Israel (The Land of Israel). Ben Yehuda.
Doresh L'Zion (Study of Zion). Kramer.
Jerusalem (Magazine). Luntz.
Massa L'Eretz Hakdosho (Travels in the Holy Land). Bachrach.
Im Ain Any Li, Me Li? (If I will not help myself, who will ?). Zitron.
Eretz Hatzvi (The Land of Beauty) Eilbaum.
Befrosa Pro-oth (In the time of rioting). Eisman.
Yosef Chain (Adding Grace). Friedland.
Yesod Hamaalo (Foundation of Greatness). Brill.

L'Eretz Avothann (To the Land of our Fathers). Levantin.

Mevassereth Zion (Tidings from Zion). Mahr.
Naitzach Israel (The Strength of Israel). Friedman.
Eitzo Vetusheao (Advice and Lessons). Meyrowitz.
Shivath Zion (Return of Zion). Slutzky.
Free Ho-oretz (The Fruit of the Land). Jawetz.
Am Olam (The Everlasting Nation). Smolensky.
Kavereth (Bee Hive Magazine). Rohnitzky.
Ho-oretz (The Country). Jawetz.
Gaon-Ho-oretz (The Greatness of the Land). Jawetz.
Me-Jerushalaim (From Jerusalem). Jawetz.
Charosheth Hamaase Vehamischor B'Eretz Israel (Industry and Com-
merce in Palestine). Judelowitz.
The Colonist, Magazine for Agriculture, in Hebrew, published in Jeru-

salem, by Meyrowitz & Lutz.

II. LITERATURE CONCERNING JEWS AND JUDAISM FROM THE NATIONAL
POINT OF VIEW AND IN ITS SPIRIT. (ORIGINALS
AND TRANSLATIONS.)
Kenesseth Israel (Assembly of Israel). S. P. Robinowitz.
Pardess (Garden). Robnitzky.
Achiosof (Comp. of Compilers). Achiosof.
Memizroch Umimarov (From East and West). Brynin.
Nais Lagoim (Tankred).
A Banner to the Nations (Translation).
Daniel Deronda (Translation).
Achrith Jerushulaym (The End of Jerusalem),Lando.
Bar Kuchba. Lando.
Herod. Lando.
Koreth Hayehudim Besphard (History of the Jews in Spain). Fried-
berg.
Metzoy Golah (Exodus into Exile). S. P. Robinowitz.
Dibre Hayomim L'Bue Israel (History of the Jews). Jawetz.
Dibre Yemai Hoamim (History of the Nations.) Jawetz.
Yomim Mekedem (Olden Times). Yehallel.
Hetzoath Ben Abigdor (The Publications of Ben Abigdor). 43 original
novels taken from Jewish life.
Palestine, by Munk, being translated.
Encyclopedia of Judaism, being compiled by the friends of Wisotzky.
Many educational works by Jawetz, Klatzka, Gruzowsky, etc.
III. RECENT AND OLDER LITERATURE WHICH HAS BEEN REPUBLISHED
ON ACCOUNT OF THE SPREAD OF THE HEBREW LANGUAGE.
(ORIGINAL AND TRANSLATIONS.)
Dibre Yomai Israel (History of the Jews). Translated from Gratz by
S. P. Robinowitz.
Ho-osif. Magazine, published by Sokolof.
Beth-Otzar Hasafros (Treasure of Literature). Magazine, by Graber.
Knesseth Hagdolah (Great Assembly). Magazine.
Hakerem (Vineyard). Magazine.
Gan Prochim (Garden of Flowers). Magazine.
Dor Dor Vedorshov (Generations and their representatives or lead-
ers). Weiss. Second Edition.
More Nebuchay Hazman (Guide to the perplexed of the times).
Krochmal. 2nd Edition.
Koll Shire, Y. L. Gordon (All the poems of Gordon). Gordon.
Koll Kithvey, Y. L. Gordon (All the writings of Gordon). Gordon.
Koll Kithvey, Peretz Smolensky (All the writings of Smolensky).
About 10 books.
Koll Shire, A. B. Gottlober (All the poems). Gottlober.
 i8

Hebrew Dictionary, by Ben Yehuda,

Natural Philosophy, (Translation), Bernstein.
Ethics, (Translation), Spinoza.
Education, etc., (Translation), Spencer.
Evolution of Man, (Translation), Lipfert.
History of Modern Philosophy, Miser.
Translations of works of Keyserling, Josephus, Karpeles, Zunz.
New Editions of the works of Mapu, Ginsburg, Slominsky, Weisel,
Levinson.
New Editions of the works of Yehuda Halevy, Eben Ezra, Alcharizi,
Eben Gabirol, Maimonides, Rav Hai Gaon, Dunash ben Labratt,
etc., etc.
Translations of the works of Auerbach, Philipson, Dickens, Levanda,
Oryeshke. Some of the works of Shakespeare, Lessing, Schiller.

The creation of a literature like this, unmistakably sig-

nifies that the national idea has taken new and deep root
and is not likely to prove an ephemeral growth, but that it

will become stronger and stronger. The return of thous-

ands of Jews, in a few years, to agricultural pursuits, out of
which they had been driven by the unfriendly fate of twenty
centuries, under conditions demanding such brave resolu-
tion, evidences an earnestness of purpose which points to

great possibilities. Palestine was peopled by Israel and

yielded sustenance to millions. It was wrested from Israel
and remained despoiled. Fertility is again to be restored
to it by
Jewish hands. In the deserted places Jewish vil-
lages shall arise. The vine-clad hills shall again recount
the story of happy Jewish homes. The peaceful valleys
shall givetestimony of renewed Jewish life. The cities shall
be redeemed from degeneracy through Western culture,
which the exile shall bring with him. He who was a
medium through which civilization reached the West during
the dark ages, will appropriately become the bearer of en-
lightenment through which the Orient is destined to be re-
generated. Institutions are to be reared which shall become
the laboratories of Jewish thought. The Jew is again to rise
to his full dignity and show the world how much light Juda-
ism has shed, and is yet capable of shedding upon all man-
kind. This is the grand ideal which thousands upon thous-
ands hope for and are willing to work and to suffer for.
 V

But the influence of this movement is not to be restricted

to those who have, or who are willing to cast their lot in
Palestine. It is to take a strong hold upon the Jew every-
where. To him who suffering from the formidable
is still

persecution to be the
it is great hope .that shall sustain him
through his trial. To him who has been elevated to full
citizenship by the made an alien by the social de-
law, but
cree, as in Germany and elsewhere, it shall afford that self-
emancipation which is to shield him from the allurements
of the hour and fit him for the purposes of a high destiny.

Throughout the great struggle, which eventually is to estab-

lish the brotherhood of man, in which we all are to lend our
best efforts, the great fellowship which hitherto has embraced
the Jew of every land, is inviolably to be maintained. In
dealing with the antipathy which assails him because he is

a Jew, he is to think, to live and to act in a renewed realiza-

tion that there is nothing so sure to contribute to his happi-

ness a's which is Jewish. He is to stop bartering away

that
his old treasures for flimsy novelties. He is not to borrow
from others, while he is in possession of an inheritance by
which the whole world can be enriched.
This is how the " Jewish Question " is to be answered for
the Jew. Not in a cringing spirit, but animated in the pride
of having descended from a noble ancestry, to whom the
whole world is indebted for having been the bearers of a
message which was the first to publish the lessons of justice
and humanity.
In the revival of the national idea it is not proposed that
all Jews shall be settled in Palestine. If those who have
been honored by citizenship in the more favored lands, will
spirit which underlies the movement, they
but enter into the
can promote the cause by reviving the study of the Hebrew
language, by forming societies of Chovevi Zion, as has
been done in England and in Germany, and by living con-
sistently the life of a Jew; and in promoting the cause in this
way they will honor themselves, and fortify themselves to
assume an attitude against which the shafts of Antisemitism
will prove unavailing.
 20

"
The eminence, the nobleness of a people, depends on its
capability of .being stirred by memories, and for striving for
what we call spiritual ends ends which consist not in im-
mediate material possession, but in the satisfaction of a great
feeling that animates the collective body as with one soul."
These are the encouraging words which came from George
Eliot.
The Jew is confronted by the alternative, either to make
a brave resistance against the modern influences which con-
spire to bring about his disintegration, and come out of the
fight with a new victory to add to his glorious record; or,
being misled by the false meaning of assimilation to sur- ,

render to what he is made to believe is inevitable, and suffer

the ignominious doom of the forgotten.
But Israel will not surrender! A Maccabean spirit will
arise anew to fire the Jewish heart to cast out the idols from

the sanctuary. It was not Israel that sold his birthright for

a mess of pottage. It was his to struggle and to win.

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