d our God, but the things that are revealed
belong unto us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words
of this law."(1519) The Cabbalah was but the reaction to the excessive
rationalism of the Spanish-Arabic period. As the ultimate source of
religion is not reason but the heart, so the cultivation of the intellect
at the expense of the emotions can be only harmful to the faith. The
legalism and casuistry of the Talmud and the Codes appealed too much to
the intellect, disregarding the deeper emotional sources of religion and
morality; on the other hand, the mysticism of the Cabbalists
overemphasized the emotional element, and eliminated much of the rational
basis of Judaism. True religion grasps the whole of man and shows God's
world as a harmonious whole, reflecting in both mind and heart the
greatness and majesty of God on high. In order to open the flood-gates of
the soul and render religion again the deepest and strongest force of
life, the Synagogue must revitalize its time-honored institutions and
ceremonies. Thus only will they become real powers of the Jewish spirit,
testimonies to the living God, witnessing to the truth of the Biblical
words: "For this commandment which I command thee this day, it is not too
hard for thee, neither is it too far off. It is not in heaven, that thou
shouldest say, 'Who shall go up for us to heaven and bring it unto us, and
make us to hear it, that we may do it?' Neither is it beyond the sea, that
thou shouldest say, 'Who shall go over the sea for us and bring it unto
us, and make us to hear it, that we may do it?' But the word is very nigh
unto thee, in thy mouth and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it."(1520)

19. The Synagogue need no longer restrict itself to the ancient forms of
worship in its appeal to the Jewish soul. It must point to the loftiest
ideals for the future of all humanity, if it is to be true to its
prophetic spirit of yore. "My house shall be called a house of prayer for
all peoples," exclaimed the seer of the exile.(1521) "Hear O Israel, the
Lord our God, the Lord is one" must be echoed in all lands and languages,
by all God-seeking minds and hearts, to realize the prophetic vision: "And
the Lord shall be King over all the earth; in that day the Lord shall be
One, and His name One."(1522) Just as there is but one truth, one justice,
and one love, however differently the various races and classes of men may
conceive them, so Israel shall uphold God,