THE MISSIONARY

It’s previous midnight the night time earlier than Rosh Hashanah. Levey, the missionary, is simply leaving his assembly corridor.

His coronary heart just isn’t very joyous. He had organized a wealthy and diversified program for the day simply handed—singers, gamers, and first-rate audio system. He had additionally ready a robust sermon; and nonetheless the “stiff-necked” Jews didn’t come.

Among the many pious Christians who give their hundreds of dollars to rescue Jewish souls, he typically notices a dis-satisfaction. And they aren’t to be blamed, for his or her cash brings no returns.

He hears the method of a avenue automotive and begins dashing to the nook. Immediately he stops.

The singing of a cantor and choir usually paralyzes him. The voices come from a second flooring—which is all lighted up—and resound by the entire block. Automobiles rush by, however he doesn’t hear them. His coronary heart, his soul, are on the second flooring—there the place the singing is. And candy recollections of childhood years enshroud him.

NEAR THE EXIT

On the excessive holidays he’s compelled to attend companies in a corridor, for within the synagogue the ticket of admission is past his means.

Sabbaths, nonetheless, he attends companies tours Sofia in a synagogue and sits close to the door.

Not at all times did he sit within the rear. There was a time when he was one of many pillars of the synagogue and occupied an honored place in one of many entrance pews.

That was over there, within the previous house throughout the ocean.

Lots of those that now occupy outstanding locations within the synagogue, he knew again house, the place the ebook of their lives was open and however few cared to learn it.

Usually he muses: If they’ve labored themselves up right here, what does it matter as long as they do good?

He finds a justification for him who did evil issues within the previous nation, and even for an additional who dedicated better wrongs. Additionally he finds comfort for himself— having to take a seat close to the door.

When the companies are over he can exit instantly with out having to fulfill the others.