Contents -BIBLIOGRAPHIC RECORD

Joseph Friedlander, comp. The Standard Book of Jewish Verse. 1917.

By Harry Weiss

The Benediction

THERE’S a memory that sweetens

My father’s last adieu,

There’s a solemn thought that deepens

When I think of him anew.

’Tis the blessing that he uttered

When I took his last farewell,

The priestly threefold blessing

Our people know so well.

Ah, bless thee, Lord, and keep thee,

His countenance e’er shine,

And gracious be He to thee,

And give thee peace and thine.

His hands were spread in blessing

Above my bowing head,

His blessing lives within me,

His spirit is not fled.

The dear old Jewish custom

Made many a stout heart;

I always felt the better

When thus I used to part.

And though he is gone forever,

To sleep beneath the sod,

I still can hear him lifting

The self-same prayer to God.

Ah, bless thee, Lord, and keep thee,

His countenance e’er shine,

And gracious be He to thee,

And give thee peace and thine.

His countenance be lifted,

And may He grant thee peace,

The goal of earthly living,

And Heaven’s own surcease.