The twins were boys, and they were born in the Medieval Ages, to a Jew named Nesanel, and his wife

Once upon a time, twins who would rule over an entire kingdom were born. Their incredible life stories would forever leave an everlasting imprint among Jewish literature and capture the hearts of all who read about their remarkable adventure. The twins were boys, and they were born in the Medieval Ages, to a Jew named Nesanel, and his wife.

Nesanel and his wife had waited for so long to hold children of their own, and when the blessed moment finally came, they wept with joy and thanked Hashem with all their heart. They named the beautiful twin boys Reuven and Shimon. Adventurous and easygoing, the boys were everything parents could ask for. The twins had freckles and flaming red hair, which only added to their irresistible charm.

When the day arrived to take them to cheder, Nesanel insisted on seating them on his shoulders and carrying them all the way to the cheder building. The boys laughed and pointed at the scenery around them as their proud father gave them a joyful ride. Every day Nesanel repeated his act of love, gently carrying his children to learn Torah.

After some time, the boys grew embarrassed that they were the only ones being carried to school on their father’s shoulders. Nesanel set them down gently and held their hands tightly and walked with them instead. Yet, as the twins grew even older, they began to resist this, too.

“Abba, no one else walks their sons all of the way to cheder,” Reuven complained one sunny day as Nesanel walked with them, hand in hand. “Can we just walk ourselves?”

“I enjoy taking you so much.” Nesanel’s long, white beard blew in the gentle breeze. “The other fathers are young, and they don’t appreciate the zechus of having sons like your elderly father does.”

“Okay,” Reuven said, biting his lip.

When they arrived at the cheder and saw their friends, the twins quickly pulled their hands away from their father. Nesanel looked down in surprise and noticed their cheeks flushing red.

“My sweet tzaddikim,” Nesanel knelt down and gripped his boys by their shoulders. “I see that it’s embarrassing for you to have me come every day. Let’s make a deal, alright?”

The boys listened with interest.

“I’m too afraid to have you walk alone each day, but I’ll hire a bochur to accompany you. I know you would rather go yourselves, but let’s compromise, shall we?”

The twins grinned.

“Yes, Abba!”