The Two Rabbins
This poem tells the story of two rabbis who are traveling together and come across a poor man who has been robbed by bandits. The rabbins decide to help the man, but one of them suggests that they should not give him any money because it would be seen as charity, which is beneath their dignity.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1828 · Genre: Religious Poetry, Moral Allegory, Philosophical Literature · 809 words
First lines
THE Rabbi Nathan two-score years and ten Walked blameless through the evil world, and then, Just as the almond blossomed in his hair, Met a temptation all too strong to bear, And miserably sinned. So, adding not Falsehood to guilt, he left his seat, and taught No more among the elders, but went out From the great congregation girt about With sackcloth, and with ashes on his head, Making his gray locks grayer. Long he prayed, Smiting his breast; then, as the Book he laid Open before him for the Bath-Col's choice, Pausing to hear that Daughter of a Voice, Behold the royal preacher's words: "A friend Loveth at all times, yea, unto the end; And for the evil day thy brother lives. " Marvelling, he said: "It is the Lord who gives Counsel in need. At Ecbatana dwells Rabbi Ben Isaac, who all men excels In righteousness and wisdom, as the trees Of Lebanon the small weeds that the bees Bow with their weight. I will arise, and lay My sins before him."
What this Textopian page supports
The Two Rabbins is listed on Textopian as a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier, dated 1828 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: John Greenleaf Whittier
- Date: 1828 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Religious Poetry, Moral Allegory, Philosophical Literature, Narrative Verse, Historical Fiction
- Length: 809 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Two Rabbins by John Greenleaf Whittier
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Two Rabbins?
- How does this poem by John Greenleaf Whittier fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Religious Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Nauhaught The Deacon by John Greenleaf Whittier
- Rabbi Ishmael by John Greenleaf Whittier
- The Society Of Friends by John Greenleaf Whittier
- Passaconaway by John Greenleaf Whittier
- St John by John Greenleaf Whittier
- Daniel Neall by John Greenleaf Whittier
Genres
- Religious Poetry — The work explores themes of sin, redemption, and the spiritual journey, characteristic of religious poetry.
- Moral Allegory — The narrative serves as an allegory for moral struggles and the importance of compassion and forgiveness.
- Philosophical Literature — It delves into philosophical questions about sin, guilt, and the nature of friendship.
- Narrative Verse — The poem is structured as a narrative, telling a story through verse.
Tags
American Literature · Poetry · Friendship · Faith · Spirituality · Moral Guidance · Social Commentary · 19th Century · New England · Regionalism · Autobiographical Elements · Coming of Age