You guessed it! It was Asher. I was sure he would continue on his way without comment, but to my surprise he stopped and read the notice with a blank expression on his face.

“This is a very worthwhile exhibition!” said Tova. “Really gorgeous things, dreidels and groggers and—”

“What, little kids’ toys?” He looked surprised.

“Not toys! These are special works of art!” I protested indignantly.

“Really?” Asher sounded skeptical, but he didn’t argue. He continued on his way, and I shrugged and went home with Batya and Tova.

The next morning, I took a notice to school and put it up on the large bulletin board in the entrance hall. Some kids gathered around and asked questions. It was fun! I don’t understand what Batya’s problem is. [Lucky you for not even understanding. — Batya]. I told them about Reb Nissan and his collection.

Shuki was among the listeners. “Wow, this really reminds me of my grandfather’s collection!” he exclaimed. “When he passed away, I hoped I might get something from the collection, but it all went to my uncle who lives in Belgium, and I can’t even go see it ever.”

He looked sad, and suddenly I regretted not having let him join us in organizing the museum. “You’re welcome to come see our exhibition whenever you want,” I told him.

He nodded vigorously. “Sure I’ll come!”

“I’m on duty the first day!” cried Tulli.

“I am!” “No, I am!” we all chorused.

“This won’t work,” said Yoel. “If we all come on the first day, who will come in on the other days? We need to divide up the days among us.”

“Let’s cast lots,” suggested Yom Tov. Tulli had a writing pad in his pocket, and we quickly tore up scraps of paper, scribbled numbers, folded up the scraps, and each took one.

Yoel got the first turn. Lucky him! I came out third. All the excitement will be over by the third day; it will be boring to be on duty then. But we cast lots and that’s that.

Batya and Tova volunteered to be on duty during the girls’ hours, and they spread the news about the museum among their friends. Batya even called Chemda — their correspondence had already died out the way most correspondences do sooner or later — and invited her to come and see the exhibition.

Yoel reported that quite a few children were there on the first day. Reb Nissan came to tell them about the various exhibits, and all in all it was a success. Tulli gave a similar report on the second day. And then it was finally my turn.

(Excerpted from Mishpacha Jr., Issue 747)