THIS FASCINATING AUTOBIOGRAPHY

SHABBATSHALOM

REX F. RAVEN

e-Book

Maverick Publishing

HOUSTON, TEXAS

SHABBATSHALOM

REX F. RAVEN

Author’s Note: The story follows a plot beginning with future events back to the past, to the present, and ends with the present-future. Explanations of reason and action are after the fact situations occurring that it happens as it happens. And later, the narrator shows the how, why, and what kind is developing as the future is explained at a later time as the plot resolves the essence of, on the way to “Philadelphia.”

COMMENTARY

Avrum Yitzhak the narrator is in turmoil at a young age in his life. He didn’t realize he could be possessed of a bi-sexual nature. He is torn between a sense of duty to love, to the passion, which or whichever it becomes, and the reality of how the reactions result, in love or despair. He decides then to convert to Christianity and study for the Roman Catholic priesthood in Rome, Italy. The stress of the studies between philosophy and theology and learning in the Italian language places a burden upon him. His heart gives way and he is forced to stop the stress and has to retire, in the last year of his course. It is God’s Will, he says but he is unsure whether or not he failed his former Being as a Jewish person. He thinks evidently the change of faith was a mistake he rushed into not clearly.

He decides to reconvert to Judaism and return to the University scene to teach and counsel social work initiates. He goes through the experience of the Israeli interpretative orthodox style of existence or subsistence in the Jewish Quarter, and the living of the lifestyle between Arab and Jew in that section of Jerusalem. He finds himself very comfortable in the orthodox Jewish milieu and applies to Torah University in the city of New York. But he feels the conviction that it would be better not to speak officially of his past in Rome, as a reference for studies and/or employment.

Then we begin the Parses or Parshas, or Portions and dedicate it or them to the Law of Moses or the Torah, and in a very modern sense of the Shabbat Shalom and the blessings derived, in the real and figurative ideas of Judaism, within the scope of drama laced with comedy. This short story is autobiographical which is fictional and strewn or woven into the story are a few real facts.

ADDED NOTE: NATHAN’S IN CONEY ISLAND, BOROUGH OF BROOKLYN IS THE FAMOUS KOSHER HOT DOG KING WHO SELLS INTERNATIONALLY.

ALSO IN CONEY ISLAND IS GEORGE C. TILYOU STEEPLECHASE AMUSEMENT PARK WITH SMILING GEORGE’S IMAGE HIGH UP ABOVE ITS ENTRANCE. THANKS

SHABBATSHALOM

REX F. RAVEN

GLOSSARY of TERMS

Arabic-Greek-Hebrew-Italian-Latin-Spanish and

Yiddish Translations.

Atah & Atem Meveen, S&P: You Understand.

Bar Mitzvah: Confirmation of 13 a year old male.

Baruch: (Baruchas), Bless, Blessings.

Bavakasha: Please. If you don’t mind? Thank you.

Beseder: Okay or all right.

(Usually after a question, but not always.)

Chai: (ch like China), Tea.

Challah: (cha=c is silent=I-Ia).

Bread, (ingred. milk eggs water)?

Chesed, (C is silent=hesed) Charity.

alms giving or kindness.

Derma: A stuffing of potatoes: prepared with fat of meat, spices, and also may depend on leftovers.

Erev Shabbos: Friday evening (1st Seder).

Eretz Yisroel: Land of Israel.

Farshtastes or Farshtay, col., understand?

(consonant omitted by non-user of h’ sound Fastay).

Gay Aveck, Go Away. (Usually to someone annoying).

Zi Gesint, (Stay (in), Be) Health, Healthy.

Geshmockt, Refreshing, (ed), (Physically and Spiritually).

Oi Gevalt, (Oh) My Goodness or Heaven, Really?

I-lalacha, Additions to the Law of Moses.

Hanuchah, Feast of the Rededication of the 2nd.Temple in

Jerusalem.

HaShem, (Adoshem, Adonai) ways of addressing the Spirit of God.

Hatikvah, Israeli National Anthem.

Hummus: a tasty thick pungent paste, made from Chick Peas.

Kaddish, Prayer for the dead.

Ken, Yes.

Kiddush, Blessing of Bread or Wine to invoke santity on Sabbath.

Kishka, Delicacy as Goose Liver and/or Kasha (brown oats & thick. Kishkas, (also used to refes to a person’s guts).

Leeot, Slowly.

Maidel, Girl or Maiden.

Mamella, Child like mother, innocent

Mashooga, Mashuga ( Crazy, real or relative).

Mashpuka, (Mashpooka), Family, Relatives.

Mizrayim, Egypt.

Nu, So, Well (Yes or NO).

Peot, Ultra Orthodox hairstyle,

(Long curl(Payas-Yiddish, hangs down both sides of face).

Rabbenu, (Rah-bay-nu), Rabbi.

Rebbetzin, Rabbi’s wife.

Rosh Yeshiva, Head Superior of the Jewish School or Yeshiva.

Sairchel, (chel-khel), Good Sense and Purpose.

Seder, Sabbath meal or for festive occasions: Births, Weddings Shabbat Shalom, Sabbath Peace,

(Greeting, Good tidings of peace).

Shabbos, Saturday.

Sheol, Purgatory.

Shiva, The Wake, or days of mourning.

Shmai Yisroel, Invocation prayer at many functions.

Simcha, (cha-hah), Blessed Event. A blessing (Torah-Gospel).

Sleecha, Excuse me, Sorry, Pardon me, Please.

Tseetseet, (Corded strips of cotton or nylon sewn to wrap around the

waist inside clothing, with strips brought up to hang over the sides of

trousers. They are blessed.

Tov, Good, Okay.

Zeesa, Sweet, Sweet One. Hebrew - Yiddish, translations vary.

ARABIC:

Al Ham Du Leela or Keef Halek: Blessing of Allah.

Salaam, Greeting of peace, salutation.

GREEK:

OUZO, A colorless anise flavored unsweetened Greek liqueur.

ITALIAN:

D’Italiana mia, of my Italian

Fangule, fuck or fuck you!

Esselencia, Excellency. word.

Ho Capito, (h is silent) I understand.

Monsignore, Priestly station. May advance to Bishop.

Pace e Bene, (Pah-chay e=eh Ben-ay)

Peace and Good.

Si Signore, Io Capito, (g silent) Yes Sir, I understand.

Ti Capisci, (sci=she) You understand?

LATIN:

Pax Tecum, (Pox Tay Koom)

Peace be with you, (shake hands).

GERMAN:

Himmel (Gr-Yid) Heaven (collq., Gosh)!

SPANISH:

Hoy, today (exclamatory, Oi or Okay)

Loco, crazy, nuts.

Nada, nothing.

y Dios, and God.

(Proper name used in Synogogue and Holy Sites).

Menudo, (Rosaly's pet name for her Kosher stewpot of leftovers.)

SHABBATSHALOM

REX F. RAVEN

CHARACTERS

Avrum Yitzhak-Narrator

Stavros-The Rabbi

Rosaly- University Student-Housekeeper

Omar Dublinsky- PHD in Anthropology

Producer-Owner of Paramount Theatre Center

Moshe-12 Year old son of Omar Dublinsky

Subordinate Characters:

Sheik Sami Wahab-Israeli Arab-property Owner in the New Territory.

Gloria-The Sheik’s Wife

Malcolm Faisal-The Sheik's young son

Mendel Sugarman-German Shepherd-Encounters Time Warp

Miss Magillicutty-Playright-Soho-New York City

Moses-Prince of Egypt-Initiates Founding of Eretz Yisroel

Pastor and Wife-Christian Science Minister-Manhattan Mission

Rebecca-One of The Quads

Rabbi Dr. Alexi-Professor

INTRODUCTION

I believe any reader of this story might be able to feel a rapport with the characters, understand the underlying points of reference to the plot’s religious aspect of intimacy between man and his creator, and/or the personal sexual objective and subjective arrangement the psychological infra-structure of the religious, semi-religious, a mixture of both, and in this story, a trifle of the secular human need that relate to the human being. It should also be noted, that today, there is Conservative Ultra Orthodoxy and the more youthful Modern Ultra Orthodoxy. And in both scenarios, the Creator of all living matter, is the supreme supernatural One who continues the purpose for all living matter, things in existence, belongs to this Supreme Being.

As you read this story, try to visualize and hear the many famous accents of metropolitan New York City’s five boroughs; cosmopolitan, a country of its own, within the State. I myself was born in Manhattan, the famous celebrity borough, and therefore I can attest to my own accented speech, which is difficult to change, but traveling into different parts in the world can help one to pickup new speech sounds, but one has to want to change. Or if you’re an aspiring thespian, you have no choice, but to learn how to change, obediently. Then enjoy life to it's fullest. Shabbat Shalom.

PARSE I

My turn had come to read a portion from the Torah. The service was in our synagogue at the university. It was Friday evening, erev Shabbat. The Sabbath had begun. A lot of nice boys were praying in the fashion of we religious Jews. It was an almost complete moment with our tseetseet moving back and forth in harmony of the prayer leader announcing that part which explained the will of our heavenly Father. All of us were striving to be the orthodox representation of Halacha, the Law of Adonai through Moses. Stavros and I, it seemed, were more modern as we didn’t have our hairstyles made in the form of péot, the dangling curls hanging down the side of one’s face, to indicate ultra orthodoxy. There was no set rule as to how males ought to cut or not cut their hair.

Nevertheless, one had to be always dignified and dressed properly if guests arrived into your home unannounced. In hot weather, we dressed in walking shorts and a tee shirt for maximum comfort. And we never ventured out into our scenic Washington Heights, New York neighborhood without being fully prepared. Imagine! One could meet the Rosh Yeshiva or the Rebbetzin perhaps and we looking like a scene out of O’Neill’s, "The Hairy Ape!" Mm. Our mode of attire had to be specific in our relationship with the conduct of Torah University congregants, professors and students. Our habits came under the Law of Moses. There was no mistaking our Jewish identity.

PARSE II

My portion told of the incident of Moses who encountered Jewish slavery in Mizrayim, the land of the Egyptians over whom he ruled as their Prince. His authority under Pharaoh was an awesome responsibility. It could be the final solution over the lives of his people, whether Jew or non-Jew. Moses according to his five books of the law, Adoshem gave to him on Mount Sinai, made every effort to instill democratic principles into all citizens. But it was a difficult task, especially for a prophet, and himself a Jew, an orphan adopted into the glories of the Pharaohs. He gave up this kingdom and wealth to lead his people into a new destiny. The Saint of the Jewish beginning, which would eventually become the Land of Israel. The slavery of Egyptian Jews was used as the means to indenture them as chattel. They had to mortgage themselves into bondage for as long as they had debts owed to others.

One day Moses decided to visit the chattel-mortgaged slaves and see first hand how these Jewish prisoners were treated. He arrived at the quarry where he noticed a Jewish slave being mistreated by a soldier. This guard was severely beating the inmate with heavy blows of his whip. The reason is not clear as to why the Jew is being punished and so harshly. Moses became incensed by this vicious attack and shouted out, "Hey you! Yes you guard. What authority do you have to punish the incarcerated?"

In Pharaoh's name, what is the reason? I am the Prince. I am Moses and Pharaoh's son. I order you to stop this kind of punishment, immediately.@ The guard was perplexed and twisted his face into a gargoyle’s ugliness thinking, "A prince of the royal house here in a dungeon'd quarry? I have my doubts." The whip came down on the prisoner’s back relentlessly, spurting blood. The tormenter spat out. The spit flew out towards Moses and nearly landed on his boot. But the prize would be the Prince of all Egypt's rage. The soldier-guard tested his axe he held in his right hand; the whip tightly in the other. He swung the weapon up into the air and then aimed it at Moses, as if he would sling it flying to hit the angered Prince. The lashing had stopped when logic changed hands. And now he dropped the whip from its grip. He flexed one enormous and powerful bicep, in fearful anticipation of an attack. Moses lunged and dove into the guard’s mid-section where he would be the most vulnerable. "Whoof," in Italian-speaking hieroglyphics, dropping his axe, for Moses was the more powerful. Stretching his huge hand up to the guard’s throat, and wrapping his strong massive fingers around the now almost choked up sounds of the one he was assailing to protect the rights of a Jewish slave. The guard trying to release the tightly gripped hand began to gasp, then gagging words struggled from within his voice box, "Tut, tut, tut, ma, ma, fuh, fuh, fangule," and finally, perhaps a cry of death approaching,

"Aagh," and spittle of red spread onto his mouth’s circumference, suddenly became limp in the still furious actions of the defender of the rights of Man. Moses tried to quell his aggravated assault he had undertaken in order to preserve his own life. Moses called out to his own men asking them to come down into the quarry. They obeyed and at once descended down into the hell where its inhabitants were forced to carry out the devious inequality thrust upon them by an immodest and immoral race of men, into which they were bred of heinous attractions, which leads the maltreated into slavery and the greedy into perdition. Moses stood over the limp, lifeless looking persecutor of imprisoned Egyptian and Jewish souls. He pushed the body in one direction and then the other. There was no movement from the silent form. "Tie his hands behind his back and a strong rope around his chest to his back. Haul him to the Mosque for the judgment. He is now an enemy of Pharaoh. Bring down food. Feed every prisoner. Make haste to get the royal physicians down here to heal any wounds of the incarcerated. If there are any other soldier-guards in this hellish place, put them under royal arrest and to the dungeon for questioning. This brutality must stop. It’s hotter than hot in this inferno. Water, at once. Lots of it, fresh and cool. Mind you, go easy. Be gentle with the suffering or by the crescent of Mohammed, you will replace these chattel mortgaged. Understand? Move, at once."

What then, may we construe is the message of this parable? The voice of the supernatural spirit spoke from within the burning bush, out to the finite knowledge of man to absorb, saying, "The Hebrews are my chosen people because they observe my laws, and from them the messiah will be sent to save the human race from annihilation. It is to them I have granted freedom to settle in the place I have prepared as a permanent homeland, in which they and their posterity will prosper. They have been given the gift of my Holy Spirit. And this is their immunity. Let no one come between the salvations I shall send down upon that land for these chosen people whose rights may never be abrogated. Their sanctuary shall be the rule of law for all who dwell in that country, both Jew and those who are not. These are the sacred words of your Redeemer, hear them so that you will know that I am the parent of all creation," The Lord, HaShem, is the one who exonerates Moses from the inclement actions between the guard and the slave, and Moses who intervenes in extending justice to the faults of mankind. "Do not unto others as you would not want done unto you," is the psalmist's refrain for the sake of freedom. And Moses freed his people to a wanderless peace. I handed the Torah Scroll over to the next reader. Hm, it was Stavros, my friend and roommate.

PARSE III

We sat down to our first Seder. Rosalie, our student housekeeper prepared the whole meal. And it was delicious. Rosaly was studying to become a nuclear scientist, which is commendable for a religious young lady. Her parents both are presently employed in that field in their native Puerto Rico. But they intend to immigrate to New York City soon. And yes, they are as it were, orthodox Jewish Hispanic scientists. The predisposition for Rosaly's scientific option is of course natural. Rosaly significantly is, a top grade achiever in the university. And to her credit she speaks Hebrew as well as she does English or her native Spanish. She’s a handsome girl whose looks and demeanor are charming. But as to age that is one job I refuse is, to ask a lady what is your age Doll, and she beats me up? Heck no. This girl is probably twenty-two at most. But don’t tell her I said anything about her age. She thinks I’m her long lost great grandfather! Me, I’m no rooster, but I’m kosher, Baby, you bet.

Mm, well, perhaps I am, but not too far, over the hill. Maybe hitting the divine age of forty! Hm, Rosaly, hm, she’s a mystifier, able to get the unnatural things into the proper perspective, hm. She would make a Rabbi a good wife. I wouldn’t like to lose Stavros as a roommate, but Rosaly would be ideal for him. And so what. Already they get along socially, indeed superbly sanguine. But ssh, hm.

Her intellectual power is of that kind which a nature of charity can be an asset. Assertive to the needs of the human or the animal, both indeed, or for the whole environment. Those in the world who are always seeking to find that suitable value for themselves. And the religiosity needed for the role of the Rebbetzin, the first lady of Orthodoxy. And naturally, a Rabbi, for the total package. Rosaly has all the interests of advantage necessary to relate, on par, with the office of the Rabbi’s employment. No, not exactly to function into the Rabbi’s employment. No, not exactly to function into the Rabbi’s role, which is strictly forbidden, under the Law of Halacha, which is the final interpretation of orthodoxy. And for which Moses was chosen to lead the Jewish people, en Toto, into a nation of Israelites. Of course millennia does try to change even the supernatural law, and to interpret Torah according to the whim of the times. But the spirit of Judaism is one and holy. It doesn’t change. It can’t. What the Holy of Holies has established is established for all time. No one and nothing can rent or change the purpose HaShem set forth in his temple on the mount of Sinai. And even fire could not destroy His Will. The fact remains certain that the very brain that can achieve nuclear science as a Rebbetzin, can facilitate the Rabbi’s profession as a man of the cloth. But cloth or no cloth, she has this voluptuous personality. I know they would succeed in the Jewish-religious life. Mm, but hey, I’m lonely thinking about others self-sufficiencies. Hoy, Hispanic for Oi, maybe they would adopt me? I’m still a good kid! At the dinner table all a-clatter with half filled dishes, Avrum filled to delight, lets his belly now pregnant with left-over gas, fall into his lap at the same time blowing out his breath. "Whew! Ah Rosaly, Baruch HaShem, you can cook for me anytime. It was great." Rosaly grinning stood up from her seat at the table. Bending forward to remove the used dishes, she begins to chirp, "Si, so where am I going? Every meal? Is that a proposal? Hoy, gevalt. We’re getting married in the morning. Ah hah hah hah hah ha ha!" She warbled like a real bird. Mm, a real nightingale.

PARSE IV

Omar Dublinsky, the Paramount Theatre Center producer, and Doctor of Anthropology, enabled his new friendship with Avrum Yitzhak to be realized by helping him to acquire, a VIP ticket, to see an exclusive showing of "Philadelphia." Shrewdly Avrum thought this producer might turn out to be, an ace of diamonds, for the ecumenical thirst of this world for total peace. Think of it, no more holocausts, and social work would be free to engage in the salvation plan, at least, of an earthly desire for universal love of neighbor! Wise enough to establish a bond of rapprochement between he and Omar, Avrum Yitzhak invited him and his family that consisted of only his young son, to come for the Shabbat Seder service, the following erev; the evening of the first Seder. Omar accepted which made the circumstance ideal to the ecumenical dream of lasting charity between the mid-east cousins. A portion of love to ease any friction of rights hovering in limbo; and the fervent desire for equality. Love can be a many splendored advantage to gain the just and holy formula, which would finalize the unification of man, under an evolution towards peace. Omar had asked Avrum perhaps because of intuition or realizing that Avrum’ s expressions had a definite New York Jewish ambience, "Are you Jewish? Uh, religious? Ph, you know, Orthodox. Listen, I’m half-Jewish." Avrum eyed Omar’s color, and lack of the yiddishisms that most New York City Jews acquired. He thought looking straight at Omar’s deportment, "Mm, an Arabian Jew! Hm, why not?" And his mouth opened up into a huge grin. Ah, the marvels of dentistry. Omar continued explaining his racial mix as an Arab and how he acquired the Jewish blood that flowed through his ventricles. "Yeah, my mother was a Libyan, yeah Arab." Avrum showed his intricate work of theatre-like artistry, and like a child enamored by the comic scene, stuck his hand into the box of popcorn, he had bought from the vendor’s open window, as he chose the big-size, salted and butter-dripping fat encasing inside the hold that would saturate everyone who ate the slippery stuff then quickly turning into the cholesterol subterranean movement; Oi, fast action for a beginning thespian. The would-be actor shoved a numerous amount of kernels into his mouth. His cheeks puffing outward, and glee in his movement, he and Omar turned toward the open entrance into the cinema world of the fantasy that Philadelphia portrayed, to Avrum’s delight.

Erev Shabbos had arrived. "Oh thanks for sharing. It’s just wonderful to be here." Omar then said something under his breath! Avrum Yitzhak wasn’t sure whether it was a prayer for the eretz Yisroel or a Friday night salute to Mohammed! Suddenly the computerized CD player began its musical theme of "Rosaly my darling, Rosaly my sweet." Everyone except Rosaly are seated at the table. Omar amazed at all the strange but exotically luscious looking food began to sample almost everything he could reach without causing uproar. Rosaly seemed annoyed and she pushed her bottom lip over the top one, unless she break the Sabbath with an unrefined remark. It was Omar’s lack of knowledge of decorum at Jewish Seders. She thought, "Mm, even in cafeteria, nobody behaves like a pig."

"So you’re Fernando’s twin sister?" His mouth dripped from the chewing of pre-tasted food. At least, thank the Lord, already blessed for the Sabbath. And then he slobbered like a mule. "So how come you’re not in show biz? A looker like you! Hm, hm." Omar spoke with a drool. "Scarramba, gay aveck, please. I’ve got a hot dish to set on the dining table. Hoy boys, it’s almost time." Stavros stood up and rushed to wash up. Avrum and the two guests followed. "You two do what we do. We’ll help with the prayer." Promptly they returned to the feast and Omar a bit confused. They sat down. "Mm, say this wine is like hm, like roses pressed into the Brahms lullaby."

"Say Avrum, that’s very poetic sounding. Hm, a poet who does social work!" Omar sounded impressed. Rosaly offered him more Kishka. "Thanks dear. It’s delicious. You made the whole meal alone, from scratch?" She nodded. It was affirmative. "Hm, lucky is the man who gets a girl like you. And so pretty. It must run in the family. Fernando is very handsome." Mm, she changed her mind about disliking Omar. Although he did have that Sheik appeal. Hoy, she thought, "Me in a harem? Ha hoo! On erev Shabbat. But never in Washington Heights. Thanks to the Holy One, I’m saved!" "Mm, tell me dear, what occupies your time? A girl like you should be married with hundreds of children." Her face became as red as the pickled beets on the table. She gloated a minute and thought, "This Libyan Arab’s a real mashugana. You know the type. Very hot blooded. It’s to be expected, mixed Arab and Jewish blood. Mm, blood from the Steppes. Hm, well if I have to clobber him, it’s goodbye to cinematics and Fernando’s career. I better humor him instead. Hm,. a guest on erev shabbos.@

"Thanks for sharing erev Shabbat with us, you and Moshe. It was like family. But that’s what we are, friends and neighbors. It’s what HaShem wants. It’s peace." Ah, tender Rosaly, the true nuclear student of the stars, opting for her idea of paradise, hm. Perhaps with cherubim floating in space, and worried mothers, out of breath, trying to keep reaching out to catch the naughty angels. Little devils, hm perhaps, but they would become the big daddies, hassling the breasts of their avoirdupois, girlfriends. Omar smiled and said, "You are so right dear, a dream come true. And Rabbi, and Avrum Yitzhak too, thanks for everything and for Moshe’s future." Rabbi Stavros held out his hand to Omar, and they shook quickly. "Mm, it’s our pleasure Omar. Please come again, anytime. And if your business permits, come for the second meal also. We begin approximately at 11:30, and supper if you like, a small repast, we usually have something about 3:30 or 4:PM depending on the sun setting. You know the rules are tricky and inconvenient sometimes but we must obey for our salvation is at stake. Atah Meveen or you Farshtay? Anytime at all, Omar, and you too, Moshe, it’s our pleasure." He turned slightly to Moshe, sort of a quarter turn, to Moshe, moved in closer, and swung his arm over the boy’s shoulder. He hugged the tall gangly boy into a rabbinical embrace, "So Moshe, hurry up and get those papers so we can start on the road to, hm, Mandalay? Hm, no better on the road to Jerusalem, the Holy City of Baru-chas. You know what that means, Moshe?" Moshe raised his right shoulder up and then wiggled it up then down, perplexingly! "Ah, good child. Baru-chas are Blessings, and this is what Jerusalem is the Holy City of Blessings. Ah, so goodbye. We will see each other again soon. All of us, together." "Goodbye, goodbye," Omar and Moshe chanted as they moved towards the door to leave. "Goodbye," they spoke in one voice, as the two visitors from the inner-sanctum, of the theatrical séance, of Manhattan, the celebrity’s borough in perpetuus vitae, ad hoc. "Goodbye, thanks again. We’ll be back," Omar and Moshe, as they strode into the darkness of night. "Goodbye," a peaceful echo drifted slowly back through the portal of faith, hope and charity, borne anew.

PARSE V

The visitors, Omar and Moshe, returned to the home of Avrum Yitzhak and Rabbi Stavros. It was on the following erev Shabbos. Saturday is a Movie Day at Paramount, and it’s just too difficult for Omar, the producer, not to be there especially at a Premiere, such as was, Philadelphia. Ha, ha, and it’s a long walk to Washington Heights on Shabbat from the Centre on 44th and Broadway. But a great noisy reunion was now taking place between old friends, almost like mashpuka. The Rabbi was the most excitable, as he exclaims, "Ken, ken! Yes, these are the documents we need to begin your new career." Stavros was very enthusiastic. "Mm, so tell me Moshe, you have decided what it is you want to do after your Bar Mitzvah, or are you still contemplating what is right for you?" Omar interjected, "Oh Rabbi, listen, how do we get here on Saturday? I mean if I m able to get away, for the Seder! To far to walk?" Stavros answered, "Wait a while and I’ll give you all the detail, beseder?" Omar jutted his chin out as if to respond, "Okay." Moshe now shifted his foot, from right to left. "Em, yes Rabbi, I am sure now of what I must do. You see my mother was attacked one night, and then, she was abused severely by her attackers. I think she had something done to stop her from having anymore children. Then after a time she behaved funny. You know, she wasn’t the same anymore. So the medical specialists said it would be better if she went where others could take care of her. She would be out of reach of anything that could harm her." The Rabbi put his hand up to his beard and stroked it. "Mm, I understand. You are able to see her?" Moshe nodded slowly; up then down, then up again, and kept it down on the last move. Then he swayed back and forth. The Rabbi smiled upon seeing his action, thinking, "Mm, his movements are a natural for yeshiva studies, especially when they learn how to chant." "Mm, Moshe s voice changed from high to low pitch, "Oh sure, we go once a week to visit. One time she said to me, "Moshe, you are my son. You must listen to me. You are a Jewish child because I your mother am a Jew. And it is my blood that counts that determines the race of who is a Jew. I let your father, who is a good and nice man, but he coaxed me, to let him bring you up in his way of thinking. Of religion and of destiny. But now the whole thing is impossible. And you are still very young but entirely, a Jew. No one and nothing can take that away from you. Today I am feeling better. Do I look it? Tomorrow anything can happen. So this is what I want you to do so that you can sit shiva for me. And say the Kaddish. Oh I couldn’t stand staying in the sheol. Who knows how long. A day is like forever. Understand? Listen my love, tell your father his duty is to get you a Jewish education so that you can practice that way. Otherwise I will rot here. I want you to become a Rabbi and I will be blessed in you." This is what my mother said to me, Rabbi. I told my father and he agreed." "Mm," Stavros ran his tongue up and around his teeth, "Yes, there can be no doubt you are a Jew. Your mother s testimony to you, within our heavenly Father’s hearing, confirms, the documented proof of your Jewish birth. Then you are certain, in your own mind, a Rabbi is what you want to become?" "Yes," he shook his head in quick motions, "Yes I don’t want my mother to rot or stay in the sheol."

The Rabbi’s eyes gave out a certain degree of sadness. "Mm, beseder, you go up to Simcha Torah. I want to speak with Omar for a few minutes.’ Moshe was careful as he climbed up to the yeshiva, so as not to show disrespect for the Person of the Holy Spirit." "Listen Omar, oh please sit down and make yourself comfortable. It’s a long while until erev Shabbos begins. We need to discuss Moshe’s future. Please." The Rabbi moved slightly toward the sofa and Omar followed in his steps, wanting to be polite and respectful to the Rabbi’s station. As soon as Stavros sat down, Omar sat down next to him. The Rabbi spoke in a sotto voce manner. "Omar, I have to respect your wishes. You have the right to take Moshe anywhere to study for a career. But under the Law of Moses, as a Rabbi, I don’t need your approval to instruct Moshe for his need to study the material to become a Rabbi, but I certainly would feel good if I had your permission, hm. And then we work out a schedule for Moshe. He’ll have to travel at least five days a week and perhaps less when his needs are met. He can sleep over on feasts or special Shabbat days for the extra time it takes to learn about the specialties of them. Sunday he can relax and play, as he likes. Theatre, movies, ballgames. Whatever he enjoys. I take it he gets his weekly stipend. So, the study program is 9 to 11am, 11 to 12pm is Lunch, and from 12 to 2pm and he can catch a bus which is convenient because the lower Westchester coach leaves on the corner of our house straight to Philly, as it were, and you can take it from there. Oh yes, the days of study will be five consecutive days considering the Shabbat and all else. Then Monday to Friday and there is still plenty of time for Moshe to take the Bus to the Centre. Of course Omar, you understand it is up to you especially to help and foster the law or rule, if you will or otherwise Moshe’s training will profit no one of us and HaShem who has led you both to us. Listen Omar, why don't you try to take some instruction as well. In that way you wouldn’t lose sight of the integrity involved in Moshe's pursuit in life and in fact, a whole new way of life. This would certainly be most supportive of any need, in the sense of his new life as a Jew, and also as he studies rabbinic law. These are the new rules by which he will continue to prosper and live. Therefore it is important for you to understand, and in kindness and love, why Moshe can and cannot do what you do. Hai capito? Perhaps your dear wife’s Rabbi would be of much help and support for you.

All Rabbis’ in a sense are orthodox. Go and talk to him or her. Let them guide you for your son’s sake. Hey Dr. Anthropologist, take a course in Jewish History. You know all about evolution. Find out who created it? So then Omar, what do you think? Got any suggestions? The trip up and back is not more than an hour. And it may be a bit tiring but Moshe is a big guy and bursting with energy." Omar stood up and pushed the tip of his tongue into his lower lip. He did the same thing with his upper. Then he licked them all around the outside of them, slowly and carefully. Perhaps trying to reason the situation into a solid principle or a decidedly less worrisome objective. "Sure no problem. We have an apartment not far from Paramount, and Moshie is mature enough to know right from wrong. I trust when he needs to travel alone on the public transportation system. And as you’ve said, "bursting with energy, ti capisci!" Si, signore, io capisco." The narrator, Avrum Yitzhak had been casually listening to the conversation intently. He sat in the lounge chair sipping his tea, perked up in his seat, and said to the Rabbi directly, "Oi Stavros, you picked up my Italiano to almost Roman perfection. But, but," he sputtered, took a bite of a sugar cube, he had lifted off the side of the saucer, replaced it, then continued, "ah geshmockt. Oh you too. Your version hm, or maybe, hm, imitating your best friend’s pronunciation d’Italiana mia!" All together they laughed hissingly but they were careful not to let any spit fly at each other’s hissing, as a token of affection. "This is great. Your schedule for Moshe seems reasonable. Oh what’s that noise out there in the street." Omar asked. The Rabbi looked over to Avrum and shrugged his shoulders. Avrum got the message from Rabbi Stavros and volunteered to intervene, "Oh that. Mm, it it’s not what you think. Mm, it’s the beautification program of the Mayor but, on the Sabbath, they have a special work force. There’s not much traffic and so with ruts, and garbage, and the unfortunate animals, the crews are sent to clean up and fix up. Our steps and sidewalks look like the continuation of the Hollywood walk of fame, so decorative is our New York City graffiti. Mm, that’s Italian for the artist who carves out the destiny of mankind. So please be patient. It will happen eventually. The second Big Bang!" The Rabbi smiled. Omar snapped his fingers out into space. It made a loud noise, as if the preparation for continuing the Big Bang had already started. Avrum continued his survey of man’s survival. "Everybody chips in, verbally, with keep your borough clean, but that doesn’t always materialize. Grants are few, now that the Conservative Party’s in the "Hot Seat." Why clean up all the graffiti in one day, when the next day all the clean walls, sidewalks and steps, get new artistic designs, after all the work and expense to clean up the day before. It seems loco, as Rosaly would say, but when it’s maybe your own kids, who are to report the public artwork. Let’s face it. Driving without a valid license could be two weeks in the canner. A public nuisance might be just a kick in the behind or if you’ve got a head of bushy hair, your Madre can grab onto it and pull until the punishment for the crime is satisfied. Capito!" Omar and Stavros were rolling in tears of laughter. The Rabbi stood up after the tempest of Avrum’s description of hilarity of the New York City’s program for community involvement to improve neighborhoods environmental standards. You know fewer rats and more pussies. Omar jumped up just as quickly. Stavros extended his hand to Omar, "Nu, is it a deal?" Omar leapt forward and grabbed Rabbi Stavros hand tightly and squeezed.

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