“And maybe he has found new truths?” Raizele heard herself say. She blushed. Never before in her life had she spoken directly to her brothers-in-law.
Nochumku and Meir boggled for a few seconds when they saw Raizele in the room, but then they figured it wasn’t all that surprising that she should be here. What could be more natural than a wife wanting her husband to continue in the tradition of his ancestors (and hers too)?
So rather than backing off, they glanced at each other and decided to remain in the room and put up a united front. Nochumku nodded in Raizele’s direction, introduced himself to the rav, and plunged into the speech he’d rehearsed on the way.
“I think we need to explain, first of all, how highly regarded Yanky is in our kehillah. He’s an outstanding avreich, a masmid and yarei Shamayim, and full of charisma too. People are drawn to him. B’kitzur, he’s a real gem. During the summer our mosdos sent a fundraising delegation to Europe, and they took Yanky with them to speak to the young people. And he made such a strong impression that we’re still hearing about it now.”
“He has a big future in our chassidus,” Meir jumped in. “It’s not like you’re rescuing some poor fellow from hanging out on the streets. Yanky has a place of honor by us, a paying position in the yeshivah, and excellent prospects for growth.”
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