Tephillin

ERECT he stands, in fervent prayer,

His body cloaked in silken Tallis;

He seems a king, so free from care,

His wife a queen, his home a palace,

His arm and head, his brawn and brain,

He dedicates to God in Heaven;

For Him he suffers toil and pain,

Endures whatever lot he’s given.

Around his arm seven times is wrapped

A wide phylactery, glistening thong;

His shaggy, curly hair is capped

By still another, tough and strong.

These bands he wears while soft he prays,

Devoting strength and mind to God;

His body slowly, gently sways,—

He walks the ground his fathers trod.

This daily commune with the Master

Lifts him above mere common clay;

The Jewish heart, like alabaster,

Grows pure and purer every day,

For he who loves a Higher Being

Must love all creatures here below;

And he who knows there’s one All-Seeing,

Knows all he can and e’er will know.