Julius Lester

From LOVESONG:

December 1982

In the winter of 1974, while I was on retreat at the Trappist monasteryin Spencer, Massachusetts, one of the monks told me, "When you know the name by which God knows you, you will know who you are."

I searched for that name with the passion of one seeking the Eternal Beloved. I called myself Father, Writer, Teacher, but God did not answer.

Now I know the name by which God calls me. I am Yaakov Daniel ben Avraham v'Sarah.

I have become who I am. I am who I always was. I am nolonger deceived by the black face which stares at me from the mirror.

I am a Jew.