| Joseph Friedlander, comp. The Standard Book of Jewish Verse. 1917. | | | | The Forgotten Rabbi | | By G. M. H. |
| | (“His memory for a blessing!”)
RABBI BEN SHALOM’S wisdom none but his scholars know, | |
| (High let his spirit journey, e’en as his flesh lies low!) | |
| He, ere he spake the “Shema,” prayed that his fame might cease:— | |
| “How shall I give you blessing if you begrudge me peace?” | |
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| Rabbi Ben Shalom’s teaching clings to his scholars still, | 5 |
| Oft to his school came, fasting, those who had dreamed of ill: | |
| God in such dreams had spoken—how could they answer best? | |
| “Laugh at the fear,” said Rabbi. “God has a right to jest!” | |
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| Rabbi Ben Shalom’s kindred long in his ear deplored | |
| Alms they had spent to nourish one with a secret hoard; | 10 |
| Who of their daily table—robber of God!—had taste: | |
| “Have I not heard,” said Rabbi, “God has enough to waste?” | |
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| Rabbi Ben Shalom, silent, sat with a dead man’s son. | |
| “I, at his grave, O Rabbi, knew what my sins had done! | |
| Great but for me, how humbled…. Can I appease the dead?” | 15 |
| “Cherish his seed,” said Rabbi, “Strive to be great instead!” | |
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| Rabbi Ben Shalom’s coming mirth unto mirth could bring— | |
| Fill him the cup, he’d drain it; strike on the harp, he’d sing! | |
| Blind seemed his joy to many, when on his brows death sat— | |
| Only the few knew better; knew he rejoiced—in that! | 20 |
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| Thus have Ben Shalom’s scholars dug him a lowly bed— | |
| (How can the soul and body ever a like path tread?) | |
| Thus when in Shool they slight him, say that “his fame should cease,” | |
| Whoso gainsays their folly grudges his master peace! | | | | |
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