A Closed Book

The Rav told my father that learning the sefer would keep our family connected to Yiddishkeit in America

“Are you by any chance a rabbi?” 

I realized my cover was blown. Try as I might to remain incognito, the older man had outed me.

I was spending a rare Shabbos away from the shul at a family simchah. I had awoken early to take advantage of the unusually warm late October weather with a walk around the neighborhood.

Some cyclists sped by, and some older adults were enjoying the pastoral setting. As an elderly gentleman passed me, I smiled and said good morning. 

He replied, “Shabbat Shalom.”

I answered him accordingly, and then he said, “Is it too early to wish you a happy Chanukah? I know it’s about a month away, but who knows if I’ll be here tomorrow?”