It was instructive and it was fun! Baruch was always delighted when he was called upon to speak — until the Tuesday Mr. Cohen announced their latest project and the bottom fell out of Baruch’s world.

“Human geography” Mr. Cohen called it as he told each boy to prepare a three-minute speech on his father’s occupation.

No way! thought Baruch as a wave of embarrassment passed right through him at the very idea of it.