from Inscriptions, 16: "The lamps are burning in the synagogue"

“The lamps are burning in the synagogue, in the houses of study, in dark alleys. . .” This should be the place. This is the way the guide-book describes it. Excuse me, sir, can you tell me where Eli lives, Eli the katzev— slaughterer of cattle and poultry? One of my ancestors. Reb Haskel? Reb Shimin? My grandfathers. This is the discipline that withstood the siege of every Jew; these are the prayer-shawls that have proved stronger than armor. Let us begin then humbly. Not by asking: Who is This you pray to? Name Him; define Him. For the answer is: we do not name Him. Once out of a savage fear, perhaps; now out of knowledge—of our ignorance. Begin then humbly. Not by asking: shall I live forever? Hear again the dear dead greeting me gladly as they used to when we were all among the living? For the answer is: if you think we differ from all His other creatures, say only if you like with the Pharisees, our teachers, those who do not believe in an eternal life will not have it. In the morning I arise and match again my plans against my cash. I wonder now if the long morning-prayers were an utter waste of an hour weighing, as they do, hopes and anguish, and sending the believer out into the street with the sweet taste of the prayers on his lips. How good to stop and look out upon eternity a while; and daily in the morning, afternoon, and evening be at ease in Zion.