GREAT READS → LIGHT YEARS AWAY Issue 892 · December 29, 2021

Light Years Away: Chapter 48

“You want to bring him back here to put away the ice cream? But he went to learn, Nechami!”

Light Years Away: Chapter 48

 

It’s early Shabbos afternoon, and all is tranquil and silent. The moshav is sleeping. Not a cow moos, not a bird chirps.

And on the kitchen counter sits a dripping carton of ice cream. Alongside it is a disposable white bowl, stained in pink. A teaspoon. A package of nut crunch, left open. A bottle of chocolate syrup, sticky. Together, they form an artistic composition with a clear message: Chanochi Bernfeld was here, treating himself to a midday snack.

“Chanochi!” Nechami calls out, breaking the tranquil silence. Bubbling lava is rising.

“He went out to learn,” says her mother-in-law, relaxing in the living room with the Hed Kevodah. “What’s the matter? Something urgent?”

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