Lampert Library

A Thought for Thanksgiving

by Aileen Grossberg

library Emma-LazarusNotes From the Lampert Library

As Thanksgiving approaches and in these tense and troubled times, we might find it helpful to recall Emma Lazarus’s words engraved on a tablet within the Statue of Liberty:

The New Colossus
Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
“Keep ancient lands, your storied pomp!” cries she
With silent lips. “Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”

library LazarusBooks about Emma Lazarus and the Statue of Liberty:
Glaser, Emma’s Poem: the voice of the Statue of Liberty
Levinson, I Lift My Lamp: Emma Lazarus and the Statue of Liberty
Moore,  Liberty’s Poet: Emma Lazarus
Rappaport,  Lady Liberty: a biography
Schorr,  Emma Lazarus

  • Aileen Grossberg

    Aileen Grossberg, a professional librarian, is a long-time congregant and serves as volunteer librarian for Shomrei's Lampert Library. The library, one of the best-kept secrets at Shomrei is used by the Rabbi, congregants, students and teachers of the JLC (Hebrew School) and Preschool. It's a tremendous resource completely supported by your donations and gifts. Aileen also heads the Shomrei Caterers, the in-house food preparation group. Can there be any better combination…good food and good books!

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