"Remember boys, the play is in two weeks. Start practicing tonight!”

Shua can’t be Moshe Rabbeinu.

It’s jut a fact.

But he could definitely be a frog. Or a gorilla. Or even a giraffe.

Know what I mean? No? Okay, let me back up a second.

Shua is my best friend. Actually, he’s new to our school and I’m the only one he talks to. He’s super shy. But that’s fine, because I’m a huge talker. He likes to listen to me, and I love having someone who’s interested in what I have to say.

Naturally, when the school announced the main roles for the annual Pesach play, I was given the role of Moshe Rabbeinu.

“It’s one the biggest parts, Yanky,” Rabbi Danziger, our principal, told me in the hallway. “I know you’re a good talker and a good actor, but you really need to review your lines.”

“Don’t worry, I’ve got it covered. I know the whole Pesach story in my sleep.”

“There are a lot of lines, Yanky.”

“I know, but I can study for a test the night before and remember everything. I’m not worried about rehearsing.”

“But I am. Yanky, earlier this year I was made aware of some of your test scores. They were, err, not the greatest. I suppose you studied once for those, too?”

“Rabbi Danziger, this is different. This is a play; something I actually care about! Not like boring schoolwor— uh…”

“Yanky, look at me. This is a big play and a huge fundraiser for the school. I’m happy you got one of the biggest parts, but I need to know you’re going to be responsible.”

At that moment, Shua passed by.

“Ah, Shua! Come here, please. As I’m sure you’ve heard, Yanky got the part of Moshe Rabbeinu in the play. There’s a lot of lines and long sentences for his role. Can I count on you to make sure he rehearses many times? I know the two of you are good friends.”

Shua nodded shyly, pushing his glasses back up his nose.

“Good, thank you, Shua. Remember boys, the play is in two weeks. Start practicing tonight!”