Oh, Chana, I chided myself. You just walked into a popularity contest
She wasn’t talking. Her lips were pursed. I could tell it was gonna be a no. But I had to wait for Yehudis to actually say it. I looked around, taking in Yehudis’s living room. She had a white couch; that probably sums her up.
“The more I get to know you, the more you impress me,” Yehudis finally started. Well, that was unexpected. “You’re really stepping into the role and responsibility of a rebbetzin.” She paused again. “But I don’t think I can allow you to give the Neshei contact list to your friend.”
I waited silently. Let her explain herself. Learned this trick from Avrumi.
“I’m sure she’s a wonderful and worthy person, I’m not questioning that. And it’s unfortunate that she’s in such a tough situation, and it’s beautiful that you’re looking for ways to help her grow her catering business. But giving out a contact list is an invasion of privacy to the Neshei members. They come for the community, not to be inundated with unsolicited emails, phone calls, and the like.”
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