“And why are you sharing this with me? Why don’t you tell my master?”

S

himon traveled as far as he could from his family. He wanted no reminders of his community or the evils he had perpetrated against them. He settled in a busy city and worked as a lowly delivery boy for an Arab merchant who sold carpets.

One day, Shimon was approached by someone his age who wore a very friendly smile and oozed charisma and charm.

“Greetings, brother, my name is Falik. I noticed you are new to our beautiful city and wanted to personally welcome you.”

“Thank you. I appreciate the greetings, Falik. My name is Shimon.”

“Oh, a Jew.” Falik’s smile faltered. “I didn’t know… You don’t look like the Jews I’ve seen around here.”

“There are Jews who live nearby?”

“Yes, why? You actually look disappointed.”

“I have abandoned my faith. I was hoping to settle somewhere far from other Jews.”

“Don’t worry about them.” Falik shrugged. “Look, allow me to get to the point. I noticed that the carpets your master is selling contain rare material. He is clueless, but I just wanted to let you know that his wares are worth a hundred times more than what he’s selling them for.”

“Really? How does he not know this?”

“Because he’s a dimwitted peasant, that’s why. You think he makes these rugs himself? No, his elderly grandfather weaves them, and he’s too old to know their value. All he knows is how to weave beautiful rugs and give them to his grandson to sell.”

“And why are you sharing this with me? Why don’t you tell my master?”

“Are you mad? Why would I do such a silly thing? I’m telling you because we’re entering a business partnership together. You’re going to meet me tonight down the road, after everyone has cleared out of the marketplace. I’ll explain everything to you then. Together, we’re going to be rich.”

“Are you a thief?”

“Are you?”

Shimon thought for a moment.

“I’ll see you tonight.”