I get the strangest sensation when I pass those two strangers. My skin actually prickles. I feel better as I get closer to the shul. Abba gives a shiur there every day between Minchah and Maariv. I hang up my jacket on the hook and take out my pocket Gemara.
Old Mr. Teitelbaum frowns. He opens his mouth like he wants to say something but then shuts it again with a snap. I step over the bench and sit next to Abba. He nods briefly. The shiur is halfway through. Mr. Arev a very nice man shows me the place where they’re holding.
I try to concentrate but it’s hard. My mind keeps going back to little Yael huddling under our kitchen table. I kind of identify with her because I’m actually shy myself but I’ve never done anything like that. I wonder if Abba and Ima knew she was a little strange when they agreed to take her?
Mr. Arev nudges me. It’s my turn to read the text. I feel Abba’s eyes on me questioning as I translate and try to explain the words. He senses that I haven’t prepared sufficiently and I hate to let him down. I was so curious about Yael that I didn’t review the daf after cheder. What a relief to finish my lines!
