Joseph Friedlander, comp. The Standard Book of Jewish Verse. 1917.
By Joseph LeiserWhen Is the Jew in Paradise?
W
Unchained from want and care;
When joy wings word of happiness
And peace perfumes the air?
When is the hour his heart is light
And slow he is to grieve?
The Jew has but one Paradise,
And that is Friday eve.
And bear his cares away.
To every home this Princess comes
And sanctifies the day.
The rich and poor, both old and young,
With gratitude receive
The Sabbath Princess of the Jew,
Their guest of Friday eve.
He lives a hundred years;
His children’s children bless her name
And all that she endears;
Her sacred, silent footsteps pass
Through every heart and leave
A thousand blessings for the joy
She gives on Friday eve.