Thinking back to my first year of marriage, I vaguely remember juggling suppers, laundry, and teaching, all the while getting to know my new husband. But mostly I remember Eli Friedman.
A few weeks after sheva brachos I nervously prepared for my new job as an eleventh-grade teacher in a local girls’ high school. Taking attendance that first day I remember pausing when I came to Leah Friedman.* Something set her apart a certain flair a real charisma. I took hold of myself. I was not going to let myself be intimidated by an eleventh-grader.
About five weeks later Leah approached me at the end of class. She asked if I had some time to talk to her. I arranged to meet her in the library during my free period that day.
As I sat down with her I made small talk just to break the ice. What could she want to talk to me about I wondered.
After a few minutes she finally asked “Mrs. Porgesz do you know my family?”
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