What was the ultimate source of the pious enthusiasm that built my great-grandfather's house?
What was the substance behind the show of the Judaism of the Pale?
Stripped of its grotesque mask of forms, rites, and mediaeval superstitions, the religion of these fanatics was simply the belief that God was, had been, and ever would be, and that they, the children of Jacob, were His chosen messengers to carry His Law to all the nations.

Beneath the mountainous volumes of the Talmudists and commentators, the Mosaic tablets remained intact.

Out of the mazes of the Cabala the pure doctrine of ancient Judaism found its way to the hearts of the faithful.

Sects and schools might rise and fall, deafening the ears of the simple with the clamor of their disputes, still the Jew, retiring within his own soul, heard the voice of the God of Abraham.

Prophets, messiahs, miracle workers might have their day, still the Jew was conscious that between himself and God no go-between was needed; that he, as well as every one of his million brothers, had his portion of God's work to do.