Mount Healthy High School - Zem Zem Yearbook (Cincinnati, OH)

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Mt. Healthy High School

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ZEM ZEM Arabic tradition informs us that a tabernacle formed of radiant clouds was lowered to earth at the entreaty of Adam to God. This tabernacle disappeared at the death of Adam but was replaced in clay and stone by Seth, Adam's son. It was not, however, proof against inundation and was subsequently swept away in the flood. Generations passed and the site of the tabernacle remained forever lost until an angel revealed a spring or well near the ancient site, to aid Ishmael and his mother who were perishing of thirst in the desert. This well was the well of Zem Zem. Here the city of Mecca was founded. Commanded by God and assisted by his father, Abraham, Ishmael rebuilt the Kaaba on the exact site of the original tabernacle. Tradition also gives an account of a stone which miraculously rose and fell to serve Abraham as a scaffold while he was at work on the walls of this building. A Pilgrims come to Mecca, the sacred city of the East, from all parts of Arabia. They walk seven times around the Kaaba in imitation of the angelic host, kiss the black stone which is said to be one of the precious stones of paradise, and drink of the waters of the well of Zem Zem in memory of their ancestor, Ishmael, the founder of the Arabic race. A In 1929 the Tatler staff sought a name for their year book. This book was to be filled with lasting memories. It was constantly to remind them of their ideals and accomplishments, of their experiences and their friendships, of the teachings which by both precept and example influenced their thoughts. Thus the book was likened to the well of memory, Zem Zem. Today Zem Zem assumes greater significance than before. We may drink of this well and be re- minded of the founders of our own nation who built as stone upon stone the principles of free govern- ment as exemplified by the Constitution. These principles have been proved in the light of history to be sound. Inasmuch as they have been founded upon natural laws-free enterprise, initiative, thrift and industry are by them encouraged. The principles upon which our nation was founded may be forgotten or disregarded. Strange phil- osophies may completely replace sound principles. Government by law may be completely replaced by a government of men. Industry and thrift may be completely replaced by indolence, inefficiency and waste. Unless we soon partake copiously of the waters of Zem Zem, in the course of a short time the principles established by our founders may have completely vanished and even the location of the well may be forever lost from the sight of men. page ive

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MR. M. DUVALL Su-perintendevzf of Public Schools Mt. Healthy Page SCVCD